WELCOME TO Val's Alentejo -I write about my region of Alentejo. My art ,painting, my cottages, Family life, my animals -Travels And my love for Roses- and rural country life.

Thursday 6 November 2014

Ibis

 I have seen this bird now hopping in and out the olive trees in my front garden.. I took this photo through my kitchen window.. At first I thought it was a sparrow.   It's habits- walking, hopping, and flying are different , plus the coloring.


                            Here it is again.   I think its the same one.    Because it was wagging its tail, I thought maybe it could be a wagtail!   Its a lovely little bird.   The photo below, is of the same bird.. but you can see the colors better. Seems to have a light yellow white face.

Egrets with the sheep
               The  egrets have returned again.   I took these photos of them walking amongst my neighbors sheep.  
It belongs to the family of Ardeidae- Herons

This specie is known more commonly as the "Cattle egret".
Native to - North America
Eurasia
Africa
Australia
South america.

Cattle egrets nest in large colonies with other wading birds.  They build nests anywhere that will support them.   They like to live near water.

Eggs are laidevery 2 days- The female does not become attentive to the nest until the last egg is laid.
The eggs are sky blue, turning lighter as time passes . Both sexes sit on the nest.


 Cattle egrets eat mostly insects, flies and ticks-picked directly from the skin of the cattle they live with.
They also eat small vertebrates, worms and eggs.

 Growing up in Africa.. we always knew them as the  "tick ibis"..  Since having our own animals, cattle horses and sheep.. I have wanted to find out more about them.  
They are actually a very beautiful bird.  
When one takes off in flight, all the rest follow.   A very "cosmopolitan" specie..

A little bit of nature for today's post.

Wishing you all a happy week

   VAL

21 comments:

  1. i like the cattle egrets we get here, too. and i do think you're right on the wagtail. :)

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    1. I am looking at them with a different view..
      I think the bird is a wagtail..I was happy to get the shot.
      thanks Tex):-

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  2. Dear Val,i have seen this bird in my area and i have taken pictures!
    It's looks funny how it walks!The egrets are so beautiful and elegant birds!I see them on my vacations in Lefkada island!Gorgeous photos!
    Wish you a lovely weekend!
    Dimi...

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    1. Thank you Dimi..
      Today here, there is not an egret in sight.
      happy weekend to you

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  3. Such lovely wildlife pictures. What fun to have them in your sight!

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    1. Thank you Jen.
      I thought it was a nice few shots I took.. they have all gone now

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  4. We definitely do not have these kind of birds here! They look pretty and interesting! It is like the bird on pic no 2 is smiling into the cam! Enjoy this day! Christa

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    1. Happy weekend Christa.
      No.. Egrets dont live in Switzerland.

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  5. The egrets look really nice, Val, and I always enjoy your bird posts. The first bird with the touch of yellow looks like the fig birds which visit us. Lovely to see nature around the cottage. xxx

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    1. Thank you Patricia. I need to get my bird books..
      They are up at the old farm house.
      I do have figs at the bottom of the land..
      x

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  6. Dear Val, What a lovely and calming environment you provide for all of your animals. No wonder they flock from near and far,

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    1. Thank you so much Gina.
      I do work hard at keeping the animals happy.. always fences to fix and this and that around the place.. I am sure you too have that as well. xx

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  7. Hi Christa,
    No.. you do not have the egret there in _Switzerland.
    Thanks for coming over to visit Christa.

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  8. Hi Val, I can't help with the specie of the little bird but I do hope it is careful around those big horse hooves..Great pics..Happy Weekend..Judy

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    1. Thanks Judy... Hope you had a good day.
      yes, the birds quickly fly off. i was lucky to catch the shot.

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  9. How lovely looks this landscape and wildlife makes it more interesting. You are surrounded by such beauty, I think this is really precious Val, especially for those who are trapped in big cities. We are fortunate to experience nature's life and have it close by.
    Happy new week!
    Olympia

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    1. Thanks for your visit Olympia
      I do love where i live.. its peaceful. I have never lived in a city.

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  10. What lovely photos Val, you've captured the birds beautifully. Love seeing your gardens and learning about the natural habitat that comes with it. Have a good week. Patricia x

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    1. Thanks Patricia,
      Your comments always welcome.. I know that you have been busy

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  11. Hello Val,
    I am afraid I am unable to recognize the beautiful bird you show. I love your account of the ibis and the sheet grazing near your home is a beautiful and tranquil feeling. You live in a beautiful place. Thanks for sharing

    Helen xx

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    1. Hi Helen.
      I think it could be a wagtail.! It is very relaxing and peaceful here.
      The Ibis is a lovely bird.. elegant in flight. xx

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