[SBB] White-faced Ibis & Black Tern

This morning (5/8) Frank Vanslager and I saw an adult BLACK TERN on a post in Salt Pond A16. Later as we left the Salt Pond Frank spotted a large flock of 50 - 60 low flying WHITE-FACED IBIS heading east along the southern edge of the EEC entrance road. Unfortunately the birds were lost to view as they crossed over Mallard Slough and behind the trees along the slough. A quick search of the Water Pollution Control Plant, Arzino Ranch and nearby fields was for naught. The birds could have gone anywhere but the County Slag Ponds would seem to be a best bet. Earlier as we left the Environmental Education Center parking lot headed for Salt Pond A16 a USGS employee (Katherine Nickerson?) asked if we were there to see the Black Terns. She claimed to have seen three on one of the islands on Monday. She also volunteered that they had also seen a WANDERING TATTLER on the rocks in Salt Pond A2W on Monday. Unfortunately a visual check of A2W reveals that the only rocks are in the far northeastern corner of the pond. The distances involved did not allow us to re-find the Tattler, however those with access to this area may wish to check the rocks out for this goodie. Our first stop this morning was to check the Coyote Creek Riparian Station ponds (looking for Ibis). A couple of the Slag Ponds do have water in then but at the time they had only the "usual suspects," Dowitchers, Peeps, DUNLIN and a few SEMIPALMATED PLOVER. Salt Pond A18 had what was most likely a first summer BONAPARTE'S GULL (with really dark pink legs) that was too far away for positive identification. An adult Bonaparte's Gull was in Salt Pond A16 (equally dark pink legs) as was a CLARK'S GREBE.

Today's birding brings a couple questions to mind: 1. Does the USGS have a local Web Site? 2. Is there any good reason why rare bird sightings of birds in areas accessible by the public are not made available to the birding public (This is not the first time that I've been made aware that rare birds have gone unshared by people working the ponds for various organization). There seems to be a mind set that if they see a rare bird they should not let the public know about it.