Dream Portent. The scarlet ibis is a symbol of ill omens that appears in dreams. This omen precedes a setback-such as inclement weather, a tremor, the group getting lost, or a lame mount or pack animal-but it can also indicate a doomed mission. After a series of unfortunate incidents, the scarlet ibis makes a physical appearance, signifying the bad luck has ended. This sometimes incites the unfortunates to avenge themselves on the bird under the mistaken belief the ibis is the cause of the problems.