Im not sure what the surface is, but further down in the water course, it is covered in duckweed. I believe it could be a weed that has spread wildly. The late afternoon light has brought out the colours of the Ibis nicely. I left the weed on the leg as is. Taken at a birding spot in Cape Town during December.
Looks like a thick mat of filamentous algae, Stuart. Makes a good BG as the ibis really stands out well against it. Bird looks nice and sharp and feeding moment well captured.
With the off-angled light, you did a good job of getting the face well lit. For me, sidelight with this image negates the quality of the light as it increases contrast....
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