Good day feathered friends I hope you're having a great Monday or depending where you are it could still be Sunday!
The weather is warming up down under and that means migrating birds! Today I want to dispell a myth and provide some information on the Australian Ibis.
It has long been believed or thought that the Ibis was brought to Australia from Egypt. As these birds have a long historical and cultural significance to ancient Egyptian mythology.
Egyptions believed that the Ibis was the god Thoth, which was responsible for maintaining the universe and the underworld. In Greece he was known as Hermes.
However, in Australia no such connection exists and there are significant differences between the Ibis in Egypt and the Ibis found in Australia.
There are 3 species the Straw-necked Ibis, Glossy Ibis and Australian White Ibis. the Straw necked ibis is also nick named 'farmers friend' as they feed of locusts and assist the suppression of locus plagues. A bit biblical there. Did God send in Ibis's to Egypt to prevent locus plagues?
In Australia we refer to these birds as "bin chickens" because they're annoying as anything and can be aggressive. The photos I took today, once numbers pick up this entire region will be littered as the bin chickens raid everyone's rubbish bins. Get to close and they will growl at you!
The Australian white ibis is a fairly large ibis species, around 65–75 cm and a bald neck. Its beek protrudes in a downward curve upto 17cms.
The Australian White Ibis is the bird that will eat your rubbish. A talent other birds other than crows do not exhibit. Ibis will seek out trash cans and know when it's bin night.
I've been chased a few times over the years. Especially around this area as it is now breeding season.
Get ready for some awesome images and large flocks of Australian native Ibis.