The ML Birders headed to the shore to look for winter waterfowl. The day barely qualified as winter, boasting 45° F high and a gentle south wind, with low tide in the morning. Conditions conspired to offer us fantastic concentrations of the beautiful Long-tailed Ducks in Barnegat Inlet, with hundreds of birds splashing, courting and calling. Also numerous were both loons, Red-throated and Common, with Red-breasted Mergansers and Buffleheads present as well. Alas, some specialties (Harlequin Ducks, alcids) were nowhere to be found. No matter, it was a nice day to be at the shore.

Participants: Ethel Cebra, Earl and Sandy Evens, Lee and Miriam Harp, Holly Hoffman, Chris Christensen, Robert Koch, Laurie Larson, Judy Norcross, Miriam Swartz, Mary Walter, Joyce Watson.

Text by Laurie Larson, Photos by Robert Koch