Had a brief visit to the refuge this morning with the baby to see if there was anything about. A group of ibis were feeding in the tall grass halfway down lighthouse road, one of which was a juvenile White-faced. When I first came to Florida almost 5 years ago this species was considered somewhat rare. It now seems to be a regular all-year round visitor to St Marks NWR. I have personally found 18 White-faced Ibis since January 2004 at the refuge.

White-faced Ibis Plegadis chihi (left) with Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus

Down at the lighthouse I came upon a very tame Savannah Sparrow who allowed me to get as close as 6 feet.

Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis

I didn't see much else as it was very windy and quite cold (<50F). A late Barn Swallow flew by and I had 2 Vesper Sparrows by the side of the road near HQ Pond, 2 Northern Harriers and a few Palm Warblers.

Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias