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DVOC Field Trip Report
Report by Sandra Keller

November 28, 2015
Barnegat Light and Mannahawkin, New Jersey

Our annual Barnegat trip had the warmest weather I can recall! I was in a sweatshirt. Amazing! But the warm weather did bring out loads of people in boats. The inlet seemed like a highway at times. This did of course affect what we saw. Basically nothing in the inlet or on the jetty until we managed to get near the ocean. As usual, Common Eiders were in the low tide cove. Low tide is my best time at the inlet area - birds will concentrate here for feeding. High tide and the birds can be anywhere - even further out in the ocean somewhat. Both Surf, White-winged, and Black Scoters were seen well. The usual shorebirds were around - Dunlin, Sanderling, Ruddy Turnstone, just a few Purple Sandpipers though. Gannets and Red-throated Loons were close to the shore. A very nice sight. Sparrows were non-existant during our walk back along the sand. Not sure why. We were treated to two Harbor Seals in the inlet though. Always a treat to see.
Here is the Barnegat Ebird list -
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S26030971

We hit the Road to Nowhere - Mannahawkin - for a late afternoon, dusk watch - no Short-eared Owls this trip. And just a few Harriers. Many mosquitoes though! That’s a new November natural history event for me! The bird highlight here for me was the large flock of Boat-tailed Grackles - 80. I haven’t seen that many in awhile. Meadowlarks were another treat.
Here is the Manahawkin Ebird list -
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S26032381

Any questions on this trip or the area in general, please contact me. I am happy to answer if I can.