Spring Storms and White Ibises

  Before the stormy weather set in for the long haul, I headed to the pier.  This was a few days ago and the clouds were already threatening.  The rains did catch me off-guard later in the morning but while on the pier, the dark, heavy clouds just felt ominous.  Another thing that caught me by surprise was a whole flock of White Ibises flying overhead.  Even though the sky was still quite dark, I was able to identify the birds by their black wingtips and their long, curved bills.  It is not a usual thing for me to see so many ibises in a single flock.  I counted over fifty of the birds!

  Ibises are actually considered to be a fisherman's friend.  They feed on crustaceans like crabs, fiddler crabs and crawfish (crayfish for those of you not from down here). Those critters feed a good bit on fish eggs.  By eating the crustaceans, the birds are actually making it so more of the fish eggs hatch and survive.  All fishermen should love seeing these birds in their areas!  Personally, I just love seeing them.  

  As I am writing this, thunder is grumbling out over the Gulf so our short respite is about to come to an end.  The storms shall rumble through again tonight.  Spring is definitely here.