Hi Everyone,

Great news from Sam Dyke: he observed the WHITE-FACED IBIS this morning (23 April 2009) in Berlin at about 10:00.  Sam reports that the overall number of Glossy Ibis has decreased, but fortunately the White-faced persists.

From my original post on 18 April 2009:

"The bird flock, which also included many gulls and yellowlegs, was on the east side of Rt 113 just south of Rt 346 in a big grass field with standing water.  This location is only slightly south and east of the Berlin WWTP, which is just south of Rt 50."

Please also consider Jim Brighton's excellent comments from the other day.  The White-faced Ibis is a breeding adult--its beautiful red eye, red face, and white border really stand out at a distance.  Whatever you do, PLEASE do not leave the pavement to walk out into the field.  We can enjoy these birds without disturbing them.  Please also be careful of traffic if you park on the shoulder of Rt 113.

I know that many people will already know this, but in case anyone finds it helpful...  The best strategy for picking out the White-faced Ibis is to look at the face of each ibis present.  When I was there on Saturday, the birds were feeding actively; so a little patience (but not much) was needed to be sure that you didn't pass over any ibis faces temporarily hidden by grass.  Just keep looking--face to face to face--until you find what you're looking for.  Don't give up after your first scan--it's surprising what turns up sometimes on the third or fourth scan.  Mikey Lutmerding has posted photos that are definitely worth reviewing before your search (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeycerw/).  While I have been procrastinating on getting my website into shape (i.e., I haven't posted any photos), I do have some shots of the White-faced next to a Glossy.  I'd be happy to email them upon request.

I hope the bird stays around a little longer!  Happy searching!

Ron Gutberlet
Salisbury, MD