These two were spotted in the Summer Lake Wildlife Area. Threatened years ago, the white-faced ibis has made a remarkable turnaround. Like many birds, their egg shells were so soft after exposure to the pesticide DDT the parents would crush the eggs while incubating them. Banning the use of the pesticide saved a lot of birds.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife manages the wildlife area and has created multiple locations where you can view the animals (mostly birds) from your vehicle.
Mature, the bird weighs in at 16-18.5 oz (450-525 g) with a wingspan of 35-37 in (90-93 cm) and uses its beak to probe for food. It feeds on everything from fish and newts to insects, frogs and crayfish.
The wildlife area is located in central Lake County along State Highway 31, 100 miles southeast of Bend and 75 miles northwest of Lakeview. Geese, ducks, shorebirds, waterbirds, hawks, eagles and more are common.
