Influenced Fx

A Scarlet Ibis seen first thing on a morning walk... A complete surprise because they are not native to the UK. Usually only found in zoos or private collections. It was ringed, though I couldn’t read all the details and i later learned it was known to visit here.

Native to northern South America and the Caribbean, they live in coastal wetlands and feed on crustaceans, which gives them their brilliant red colour.

They say third time lucky, and when it comes to me and wildlife photography, that's often true with subjects i haven't shared with you.

I’d spent two hours walking in poor morning light, without lifting the camera, when i watched a small flock of birds pass me, heading for a group of trees in the distance. I had guessed at them being Crossbills from shape and sound but couldn't see them well to confirm. To my surprise, as I approached this group of trees sometime later, I heard the sound of Crossbills chewing their way into cones.

That sound rewarded me with my closest encounter so far. Normally i spot them in the tops of tall trees, but a few males could be seen feeding lower down. I raised the camera, did my absolute best in the poor light and struck 3rd time lucky!