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Glossy Ibis in Cleethorpes

Yesterday I spent a few hours on Clee salt marsh watching our resident Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), a bird that has become a fascinating and welcome presence here. Glossy Ibis are still considered scarce in the UK, although records have increased in recent years. Most birds seen here originate from expanding populations in southern and western Europe. Traditionally a species of warmer wetlands, their growing appearances in Britain are often linked to changing climate patterns and improved wetland habitats. This individual has been regularly feeding on the marsh, slowly probing the mud and shallow pools for insects, worms, small crustaceans and other invertebrates. This feeding style makes salt marshes and coastal lagoons ideal places for them, provided disturbance is kept to a minimum. In good light, the bird’s plumage really stands out. Although it can appear dark at a distance, closer views reveal rich chestnut tones with an iridescent sheen of green and bronze, particularly noticeable on the wings and back. Adults also show pale blue eyes and a slender, down-curved bill perfectly adapted for feeding in soft mud. Whether this bird is a long-term visitor or simply making extended use of the marsh, its continued presence highlights the importance of sites like Clee salt marsh. These wetlands don’t just support common species, but can also provide vital feeding and resting areas for birds that are still rare in Britain. #GlossyIbis #PlegadisFalcinellus #CleeSaltMarsh #LincolnshireWildlife #RareBird #WetlandBirds #BritishBirds #CoastalWetlands #BirdEducation #NatureUK