Sunday 6 December 2009

Grimley - Glossy Ibis (eventually)

This was one of those lucky, lucky days when everything falls into place - eventually! It all started with a decision to check out the very obliging Beachley Pom Skua down near Chepstow. Yvonne was keen to give her new lens a try out too....

However, the chance of two birds for the price of one was tempting? Worcestershire (with Glossy Ibis - 'somewhere') is on a sort of twisty direct line from Shropshire to the Severn estuary isn't it? Homework completed as to where the Ibis might be, we arrived on the bank of the Severn at Holt Fleet hoping for a quick sighting and off? This was going to take some time as the 'bird had flown'!

The Gods were smiling though. Also searching the riverside fields, was a young local, Craig Reed - a blogger too - 'Midlands Birder'. He was getting some very useful news via his mobile too..... The local 'network' had sparked into action with the welcome news: "Glossy Ibis - now relocated down at Grimley, off Wagon Wheel Lane". In hot pursuit, we followed Craig's Dad's birding taxi!

A short walk down a very muddy lane and we were soon admiring (a very distant) Glossy Ibis! Time for a few record shots...










Well over an hour had been lost, the M5 and a date with a Pom was beckoning....