White-faced Ibis
Gwen Grace
Does this make you think of Egypt and its sacred bird, or Florida with white ibis, but in Arizona? The white-faced ibis has been seen in riparian sites throughout Arizona. The Gilbert riparian waters have seen dozens during the fall migration. Recently, in September, 30 were seen in Gilbert ponds!
This almost two-foot-tall bird appears glossy. Its feathers are iridescent, really. Adult males have a red eye, and white feathers round the face in breeding season.
Here’s your chance to see some unusual birds as they fly through during the migration, as well as local birds, on Family Bird Walks. You are invited to monthly meetings and speakers in person at the Gilbert Library or on Zoom. They occur the second Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Log into Desertriversaudubon.org and sign up for Zoom. The next meeting is Oct. 14.
Desert Rivers Audubon Society has Family Bird Walks at local parks for free, and they lend binoculars.
The next Family Bird Walk at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Road, is Nov. 1 from 8:30 to 11 a.m. These Walks are held here on the first Saturday of the month, November through April.
The next Family Bird Walk at Gilbert Riparian Preserve, 2757 E. Guadalupe Road, Gilbert, is Oct. 18 from 8:30 to 11 a.m. These Walks are held on the third Saturday of the month, October through March.
The recent storms can bring unusual birds, often stranded for some time, and that really makes birding interesting. I’m on the hunt for a wood duck!