White faced or Glossy?

[kaustubh_d]

There was a big Ibis flock in bed41 on Saturday. Most were White-faced. But in my shots, there is one that could be Glossy. not sure....so I am posting the shot here. Look at the one with the black Iris in the last shot. I have posted it on Dallas forum as well.

http://gallery.photo.net/photo/11477746-lg.jpg

http://gallery.photo.net/photo/11483391-lg.jpg

http://gallery.photo.net/photo/11483390-lg.jpg

[Y Cymry]

This is certainly an ibis of interest. I like the pale edge of skin along the top edge of the facial area. The dark gray facial skin shows no hint of pink as all the other obviously White-faced Ibis in the photos do. The iris is definitely very dark brown, no hint of red. I like the darker, greenish gloss color of the back and wing feathers rather than the more multi-colored bronzy green of the White-faced Ibis (this could be a trick of the local light and the bird's angle to the camera though).

This is not a full endorsement but I think the bird is a good candidate for Glossy Ibis. But, I also have to wonder if this bird just stands out because it is the only bird of the year among a flock of molting adult White-faced Ibis. As you no doubt know, immature White-faced also have dark gray facial skin and dark brown irises. It's a hard call this time of year.

I saw this flock flying out of the area as I drove in Saturday but didn't get a good look at any of them except a lone White-faced that stayed behind.

[kaustubh_d]

Ken, thx a lot. I found another shot that shows a similar bird. Could be the same one but not sure. They were moving around.

http://gallery.photo.net/photo/11486091-lg.jpg