Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Glossy Ibis
Scientific name:	Plegadis falcinellus
Date:	5 May 2013
Time:	2:00 PM
Length of time observed:	~20 minutes
Number:	2
Age:	Adult
Sex:	Unknown
Location:	Hyde Park Lane (Benson)
County:	Cache
Latilong:
Elevation:
Distance to bird:	~40 feet
Optical equipment:	Nikon 20x spotting scope, SLR with 400mm lens.
Weather:	mix of sun and clouds
Light Conditions:	Sun behind us, intermittently diffused by clouds
Description: Size of bird:
(Description:) Basic Shape:
(Description:) Overall Pattern:
(Description:) Bill Type:
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Easily identified as one of the two dark ibis species by distinctive shape; dark chestnut head and back with iridescent greenish-bronze wings; and long, decurved, relatively thick bill. See "similar species" and photos for separation from White-faced Ibis. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	None.
Behavior:
Habitat:	Flooded field, with about 150 White-faced Ibis and at least one apparent White-faced x Glossy Ibis hybrid. SIMILAR SPECIES AND HOW WERE THEY ELIMINATED: White-faced Ibis (or hybrid) is the only potential confusion species. Both of these birds had charcoal gray facial skin (not pink, reddish, or purple) lined clearly by a powder blue line of facial skin, and with no white feathering at all around the face. The powder blue border to the facial skin did not wrap behind the eye. The eyes were clearly dark lacking any red, appearing black in most lighting angles but sometimes in excellent light appearing a very dark brown. Legs were mostly grayish with reddish around the joints. Legs of the second individual were a bit more red than the first, but still much less red than the White-faced Ibis nearby. White-faced Ibis and at least one White-faced x Glossy hybrid were present for direct comparison.
Similar species and how were they eliminated:
Previous experience with this & similar species:	I have seen thousands of White-faced Ibis, mostly in Utah but also in California, Nebraska, Arizona, and Idaho. I have seen one other Glossy Ibis in Utah (see record 2008-14), plus a few more on a recent trip to North Carolina.
References consulted:	None.
Description from:	Photos
Observer:	Ryan O'Donnell
Observer's address:	1098 Crescent Dr
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	One Glossy Ibis was originally found at this location the previous day (4 May 2013) by Cullen Clark. On this date (5 May 2013), two were seen at the same location by myself, Cullen Clark, Britney Clark, Bob Atwood, Cari Johnson, and BJ Johnson.
Date prepared:	6 May 2013
Additional material:	photos
Additional_Comments:	Note: To be certain these birds represented two individuals, not one individual that moved, we relocated the first bird after I found the second bird. We had two spotting scopes up, one pointed at each bird, in different directions, and were able to pan back and forth between the two birds at the same time. eBird checklist: