January 15, 2018

Location: Vero Beach, Vero Beach Wetlands

We are a group of White Ibis
You often see us in city parklands.
Where people think they are doing us a favor,
By feeding us bread by hand.

This really, seriously a terrible idea,
It is bad for both my health and yours.
We are known to carry and shed Salmonella,
Which is easily passed to both humans and birds.

Sources: Urbanized White Ibises (Eudocimus albus) as Carriers of Salmonella enterica of Significance to Public Health and Wildlife

Photo and text © 2017 Dee Fairbanks Simpson