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Monday 19 October 2015

Glossy Ibis influx

The sightings of Glossy Ibises in Co. Kerry started with the first at Carrahane last week, seen in flight heading inland, followed by two at Lough Naparka, near Castlegregory, a couple of days later. The two there included a ringed bird and that serial number has been submitted to Spanish ringing groups, to which this bird belongs, and they assure us of a reply with details of where the bird originated.

The two birds at Lough Naparka were joined by two more on 17th October, and the number there varied between three yesterday, and two again today (including the original ringed bird). However, the six seen at Baile an Rainaigh, near Ballyferriter, this afternoon surely shows something like an influx is under way. There has been a long-staying Glossy Ibis at Tramore, Co. Waterford since early September, and another recent singleton at Ring Marsh, Co. Wexford, on 17th October, so it makes it all the more remarkable that eleven have been recorded in Kerry in just the past few days. Perhaps the beginning of another major national influx such as happened in late 2011?

Glossy Ibis, Lough Naparka, 19th October 2015 (M.O'Clery).

Ringed Glossy Ibis, Lough Naparka, 19th October 2015 (M.O'Clery).

Glossy Ibis, Lough Naparka, 19th October 2015 (M.O'Clery).