Today I decided to take advantage of my location and partake in one of the winter rituals for all birders here in New Jersey: a visit to the Barnegat Lighthouse jetty. This decision was based on a quartet of factors; the temperature was predicted to reach a relatively comfortable 42 degrees, the wind was calm, Razorbills and Dovekies appeared in multiple locations along the Jersey coast yesterday, and my impending trip to Florida later this week put me in the mood for sampling our winter birds. In other words: all systems go. I was worried that the trip would be fruitless when I arrived at the inlet to the sound of gunfire coming from a boat containing four hunters in the middle of the inlet, but thankfully they soon moved into the bay and out of sight. Birdlife along the jetty was relatively quiet while walking out (argh…hunters!!), but along the beach by the old 8th St. jetty I sat on a well-placed bale of hay and lost track of time while scoping through a flock of ~300 Common Eiders in every plumage possible. After all, time is a meaningless concept when Eiders are feeding nearby and the surf is providing the sonic backdrop on a warm day at an empty beach. A hen King Eider was reported to be in this location for the past few weeks, and indeed, I was able to find her twice, although she eluded photo documentation. What a pleasure to find her though; the bill of a King Eider appears to form an exaggerated Joker-like grin, so it was as if she was smiling at me upon being detected. Or maybe I was in the sun too long. Either way, I need to work on speeding up my digiscoping technique.
The regular species that make this jetty such a delight to visit in winter were all present, and many allowed close approach. Harlequin Ducks, Ruddy Turnstones, Purple Sandpipers, Dunlin, Ispwich Savannah Sparrows, Great Cormorants, Black Scoters, Long-tailed Ducks, Common Loons, and Red-throated Loons were all present. Alas, Dovekies and Razorbills were a no-show, or perhaps I spent too much time with my eyes peeled to the scope enjoying the Eider flock. I don’t mind. Here’s a sample of photos from today.
The view from near the end of the jetty looking back towards Ol’ Barney. Walking on the boulders can be dangerous if you’re not careful, as I found out today.
Part of the large flock of Common Eiders feeding just south of the Barnegat jetty.
A trio of male Harlequin Ducks, the highlight species for most birders at the jetty.
A pair of Ipswich-type Savannah Sparrows that was actively feeding in the wrack line alongside the jetty.
Ruddy Turnstones are reliable winter residents, usually feeding on rocks at the surf’s edge.