I would like to add to the postings about the Ibis at Harrow for anyone curious about this bird's identity. I have not been to see this bird myself but based on photos from two friends, this bird is readily identifiable as a Glossy Ibis due to the pale whitish colouration of skin around the edge of its facial skin. This is a trait that, from what I gather, does not always show on very young Glossy Ibis, but when it does, as with this one, it is a pretty clear sign of this species. White-faced Ibis only show this white edge to the facial skin as breeding plumage adults, and even then it is actually made up of whitish feathers rather than skin colour. Not to be confused with the more vertical white streak in head feathering above the eye, seen on juvenal individuals of both Plegadis genus species.

Location: Harrow Sewage Lagoons are found on Concession 3 in Harrow, Essex County, about 1km west of County Rd 11.

Again, I have not seen this bird but have noticed it has not yet been publicly announced as a Glossy Ibis, in case that makes a difference for those interested in chasing it. Good birding!

Jere

Jeremy Bensette - Leamington, ON
I'm doing an Ontario Big Year in 2017!
Up to 323 bird species and counting!
I could really use a hand with Neotropic Cormorant, Laughing Gull, and/or Western Sandpiper... Thanks so much for the support!

Also a permit is required to be in the lagoons legally. Which can be obtained from Essex field nats.

Im in Killarney right now and hoping it sticks around until I get back.

Sent from my

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: [Ontbirds] Glossy Ibis Harrow Lagoons
From: Jeremy Bensette via ONTBIRDS
To: Bird Alert Ontbirds
CC:

I would like to add to the postings about the Ibis at Harrow for anyone curious about this bird's identity. I have not been to see this bird myself but based on photos from two friends, this bird is readily identifiable as a Glossy Ibis due to the pale whitish colouration of skin around the edge of its facial skin. This is a trait that, from what I gather, does not always show on very young Glossy Ibis, but when it does, as with this one, it is a pretty clear sign of this species. White-faced Ibis only show this white edge to the facial skin as breeding plumage adults, and even then it is actually made up of whitish feathers rather than skin colour. Not to be confused with the more vertical white streak in head feathering above the eye, seen on juvenal individuals of both Plegadis genus species.

Location: Harrow Sewage Lagoons are found on Concession 3 in Harrow, Essex County, about 1km west of County Rd 11.

Again, I have not seen this bird but have noticed it has not yet been publicly announced as a Glossy Ibis, in case that makes a difference for those interested in chasing it. Good birding!

Jere

Jeremy Bensette - Leamington, ON
I'm doing an Ontario Big Year in 2017!
Up to 323 bird species and counting!
I could really use a hand with Neotropic Cormorant, Laughing Gull, and/or Western Sandpiper... Thanks so much for the support!

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