Photographing the Glossy Ibis at Summer Leys Nature Reserve
Every now and then, nature offers us a truly special encounter – one that reminds us just how unpredictable and rewarding wildlife photography can be. Recently, I had the privilege of photographing a Glossy Ibis at Summer Leys nature reserve in Northamptonshire, a site owned and managed by the local Wildlife Trust.
For those unfamiliar, the Glossy Ibis is not a common sight in the UK. In fact, this elegant wader is usually associated with warmer climates, being more at home across southern Europe, Africa, Asia and parts of the Americas. To see one here in the heart of Northamptonshire is something of a rarity and a real treat for local birdwatchers and photographers alike.
At first glance, the bird’s plumage can appear dark and unremarkable, but when the light catches it, the ibis truly lives up to its name. Its feathers shimmer with iridescent greens, bronzes and purples – colours that are often only revealed through patience and careful observation. Watching it feeding in the shallow waters of the reserve, probing the mud with its distinctive down-curved bill, was amazing to watch..
Glossy Ibis at Summer Leys Nature Reserve – Music by Bensound.com
Summer Leys itself provided the perfect setting for this encounter. With its mix of wetlands, reedbeds, and open water, it is a haven for wildlife throughout the year. Owned by the Wildlife Trust, the reserve is carefully managed to provide sanctuary for many species, from waders and wildfowl to raptors that patrol the skies above. For visiting birders and photographers, it offers an ever-changing stage of seasonal highlights, but the appearance of a Glossy Ibis is something that will be remembered.
Photographing the bird was both a challenge and a joy. Its constant movement, combined with the changing light across the water, meant I had to stay alert and flexible with my camera settings. But moments when the ibis paused, lifting its head or stretching its wings, revealed its full beauty through the lens. It’s these fleeting moments that make wildlife photography so rewarding – capturing not just an image, but a memory of an encounter that I’ve never had before.
The arrival of a Glossy Ibis at Summer Leys is a reminder of the fluidity of nature. As climate and habitats shift, perhaps sightings like this will become more regular. For now, though, it remains a relative rarity – and one that I feel incredibly fortunate to have experienced.
