DVOC Main Page > Field Trips > Field Trip Report

DVOC Field Trip Report
Report by Sandra Keller

November 29, 2014
Barnegat Light and Forsythe NWR, New Jersey

The Barneget part of the trip went longer than usual. Coming back after the walk to the end to see the King Eider in with the Commons we had small flocks in the grasses. We took our time and tried to track down as many of the passerines as possible. That type of birding here can be difficult as the birds can flush easily and usually don't land perched up somewhere, but down low in the grasses and small shrubs again! With Redpolls being reported in small numbers, we tried our best! One bird had good possibilities, but we only had a brief look flying away and never refound. The King Eider, Harlequin Ducks, Purple Sandpipers, and other area specialties were seen well. Most species were at the end of the jetty area. We also had 8 Ipswich sparrows in a small flock at the end of the dune grasses near the ocean.

Forsythe was a bit rushed as we didn't get there until 2:00PM, but we enjoyed the usual waterfowl variety here. Highlights being Horned Grebes and many Bufflehead in the south cove, 2 Bald Eagles perched side-by-side in a tree. Seems early for roosting, but it was cloudy. 2 Western Sandpipers were studied well. The Gull Pond area was the best for studying the ducks. Many Shovelers, Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Ruddy Ducks, Coot, etc. with many in close.
With light failing and viewing birds getting difficult, we cut short the north dike area and headed to Mott's Creek to see if any Short-eared Owls flying. No success.

The calm winds today made birding a pleasure at all the spots. Wind is very difficult as Barneget especially - creating waves and making it much harder to spot birds. We all were hoping for a Snowy Owl after the spectacular year last year, but we couldn't find any. Maybe next year. Any questions, please contact me. Thanks to all who came on the trip and helped seek out the birds!

http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S20720150 - Barneget ebird list.
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S20722017 - Forsythe ebird list.