How does the appearance of the scarlet ibis hint at the outcome of the story?

The scarlet ibis's death is a foreshadowing of Doodle's.

Doodle is a very special individual. He is different. He is a brilliant streak of color in an otherwise mundane universe. The scarlet ibis was a literal streak of color against the backdrop of an otherwise mundane farm existence. He brought a flash of beauty to the world, as Doodle did.

When the scarlet ibis died, so did that flash of brilliance, that moment of light on the earth. When Doodle died, the same thing happened. A light was extinguished. Even at the end of the story, the brother is cradling his "scarlet ibis." Truly, the Ibis and Doodle are one and the same.

Additionally, when the scarlet ibis died, Doodle insisted on burying it. He himself felt a connection with the bird. He felt their similarities, and maybe he even felt the foreshadowing. He was a wise kid. :O)

Good luck!

Sara