For the second time or maybe even the third time this year Norfolk has hosted a Sacred Ibis. See Letter from Norfolk 2nd July.
As I travelled along the coast this individual followed me. I was stalked by an Ibis!
I took the opportunity to take a few shots while the bird wasn’t knee deep in grass and rushes.
DEFRA (Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs) has already all but eliminated Ruddy Ducks from the British Countryside (rightly or wrongly) and of late has had a stab at Badgers, Monk Parakeets and Buzzards. Given the capability of Sacred Ibis’ to wipe out tern colonies I wonder if the hired guns of DEFRA will take a hand if the species does breed.
Letter From Norfolk 
Let us not forgot the role of God oops I meant the RSPB in this as they will also have a big say and perhaps even members like myself won’t even understand the thought process they employ
No doubt they will have an influence John.
Regal and fascinating bird–but it’s staggering to read your commentary.
The nearest equivalent to DEFRA within the US is probably the ‘Fish & Wildlife Service’ Sally. I guess they are the gatekeepers of what is and isn’t allowed to become established. Unfortunately DEFRA being a government department is seen by many as linked too closely to political influence.
Perhaps the departments claim to infamy is their handling of the Rudy Duck cull. The escaped South American Ruddy Ducks were establishing themselves in big numbers within the UK; they were drifting south into Spain and effecting the gene pool in the closely related but very scarce White Headed Duck. DEFRA ordered the elimination by shooting of the entire Ruddy Duck population within the UK. Very few escaped the guns and it’s been a long time since I’ve seen a Ruddy Duck at large here. It remains to be seen if DEFRA do the same with the Sacred Ibis if they do establish themselves from the French Colony which I presume they will.