[SBB] Continuing Black Tern in Alviso

This morning (8/8) at around 10:00 am I saw the continuing BLACK TERN on Alviso's Salt Pond A16 at the Environmental Center (EEC). I didn't see the tern right away when I arrived, and in fact, I needed to scan posts and roosting spaces throughout practically the entire pond before I located it. I finally saw a smallish tern that appeared darker perched beside some Forster's Terns roosting on low posts far out in the northern portion of the pond. I kept my scope trained on that bird, and when it eventually took off flying, I knew then that this was the Black Tern. Initially it spent time foraging and flying about the far northeastern portion of the pond where it was hard to get a good view, but then it came in closer and flew around the second island making low passes and thus affording some good views.

On the second island, I also observed the BLACK SKIMMER pair and was treated to the sight of one of the young chicks (a little fuzz ball) venturing out from the nest for a little exploration. The brooding adult made continual soft clucking sounds while the young one tottered about eventually going back to the safety of the parent. On the first island, I also saw the other BLACK SKIMMER pair with one appearing to be on nest, but I didn't see any signs of young ones from that pair.

I counted 34 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS and saw one BROWN PELICAN on the pond - but I missed the young Bald Eagle.

Ann Verdi

San Jose

Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL.com.