Glossy Ibis takes a shine to Derbyshire
Monday 14th November 2011
Glossy Ibis cpt Richard Pittam
This glossy ibis was recorded at two Derbyshire Wildlife Trust nature reserves at the weekend.
The bird, which gets its name from the iridescent sheen on its wings, has been recorded in the county only three times since 1954.
The glossy ibis was seen by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust volunteers Alan Watts and Ron Turner at The Avenue Washlands Nature Reserve near Chesterfield on Friday 11 November. Richard Pittam and other birdwatchers recorded it at Willington Gravel Pits Nature Reserve in South Derbyshire on Saturday 12 November.
Richard Spowage, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust's Reserves Manager commented:
“This is a very rare bird to turn up in Derbyshire as it’s usually found in southern Europe. Both of the reserves have areas of reedbed and marsh which provide good feeding habitat for glossy ibis. After it left Willington, it was next recorded in Cheshire, so seems to be moving on.”
The Avenue Washlands Nature Reserve is on part of the former Avenue Coking Works at Wingerworth in Chesterfield. It is managed by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust on behalf of The Land Trust.
Willington Gravel Pits is a former sand and gravel quarry in the Trent Valley which attracts many bird species throughout the year. For information about visiting Derbyshire Wildlife Trust nature reserves, go to www.derbyshirewildlifetrust.org.uk.