This Common Loon, also called a Great Northern Loon, visited Avery Island in December, sporting its non-breeding plumage. During breeding season its appearance changes so that it has a black head, white underparts, and a checkered black-and-white mantle. The Common Loon dives as deep as 200 feet to catch the fish it preys on. Like all divers, their feet are placed far back on their bodies compared to other waterfowl. December 2012 was the first time Edmund and I had seen this bird on Avery Island. They are more commonly sighted east of Avery Island along the Louisiana Gulf Coast and west of Avery Island along the Texas Gulf Coast.

April 2013 is the first time we have seen a White-faced Ibis on Avery Island. They range from Mississippi west, and prefer freshwater wetlands. They also breed in salt marshes, and in Louisiana and Texas can be year-found residents. They like to forage near Great Egrets or other large herons, taking advantage of early warnings of predators from these larger birds with wider fields of vision. Because their plumage is less showy than other birds, they were not threatened by ove-rhunting the way the egrets, herons, and spoonbills were.

American White Ibis, a different species from the White-faced Ibis in the previous photo, are known for their all-white plumage except for black wingtips, and during breading season, their bright red bills, faces, and legs. Though they are common in coastal marshy wetlands, Edmund and I haven't seen them before 2011 on Avery Island. They are monogamous, and often nest in colonies with other species of wading birds.