I is for Ibis

ABC Wednesday
March 9th, 2016

The letter is I for Ibis

"Every one has heard of the Ibis, 

the bird to which the ancient Egyptians paid religious worship; 

which they brought up in the interior of their temples, 

which they allowed to stray unharmed through their cities, 

and whose murderer, even though involuntary, was punished by death; 

which they embalmed with as much care as their own parents."

'Description of the  bird called the Ibis by the ancient Egyptians'

CUVIER 1831

This most ancient of birds has survived plentifully in some areas of the planet, 

to the extent that they are sometimes referred to as 'chickens'

so common have they become.

However, in China the crested Ibis is considered an endangered species

and every effort is made to protect them.

(seen in the lower right hand corner)

Can you guess which one is the Glossy Ibis?  

The lower left hand bird is the Sacred African

and the upper left the Australian Ibis.

An excellent article on the Ibis can be found here at 10000 Birds -

far too much fascinating information  to

include in this small blog.

If you are interested in poetry based on the Ibis, Susan Hahn has written

a lovely eighty page widely acclaimed book....

More interesting Is here at ABC Wednesday with thanks to

Roger, Denise and all Invigorated helpers.