The ML Birders headed down to the coast in pursuit of wintering waterfowl and the chance to see Razorbills that have been spotted in the Shark River Inlet in Belmar. We had a great weather day with bright sun and relatively calm winds through lunch. We started at the marina near the inlet and took the loop around the inlet area seeing the expected ducks, geese and swans. Highlights were a drake Redhead, a drake Eurasian Wigeon and one Snow Goose in our circumnavigation route. The Buffleheads were abundant as well as Black Ducks, American Wigeon, Gadwall, Red-breasted and Hooded Mergansers. Large rafts of Brant geese and lesser numbers of Canada Geese and Mute Swans were also present.

The highlight of the day came at the mouth of the inlet where we hiked out on the jetty and got the Razorbills which were working their way up the inlet. We almost missed them as we were on our way to lunch when Laurie picked up a text message that they were presently in the inlet. A purposeful use of texting!!

We ended our day by checking out the ponds that are usually good for ducks. Not too many today but we did get a Ruddy Duck to add to our list. We saw/heard 44 species for the day.

Participants: Holly Hoffman, Robert Koch, Laurie Larson and Miriam Swartz.