While I was excited to spot a Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) hunting atop aquatic plants, I was disappointed with the lighting. Unlike most species, the beauty of these birds relies on the angle of illumination.

I felt fortunate to get a closer look while on my second loop through the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. The iridescence is just stunning! For the most widespread ibis species in the world it is a rare sighting for me. They don’t spend much time here on the west coast (though I have plenty of White Ibis, their less striking cousins).