Long Tailed Duck

While I love the exotic coloring of the Harlequin Duck the subtle colors of the Long Tailed Duck make it my favorite duck.

Long Tailed Duck

Barnegat Lighthouse SP and Shark River Inlet

As I mentioned in the first of the Barnegat posts I've known about it for 10 years but never made it out there until this week. I want to go again, very soon. This time I want to get there mid to late afternoon to have the better light and from behind me. I'm keeping an eye on the weather forecast.

After Barnegat we headed to a place beginning with "M" something but we never got there because the exit from the New Jersey Garden State Parkway was blocked off. We headed to Shark River Inlet instead and my travelling companions were very glad we did because there in the inlet was a Razorbill. Quite a rare bird this far South apparently. I was more interested in the Snow Buntings. We eventually found them in weedy area close to where we were standing. They really were blending in with the sand and vegetation.

Black Scoter

Harlequin Ducks

Harlequin Duck

Harlequin Duck

Harlequin Ducks

Ruddy Turnstone

Snow Bunting

Snow Bunting

Finally, Barnegat Lighthouse State Park

I think it must be almost 10 years that I've been wanting to visit Barnegat Lighthouse State Park at this time of year. Various factors, weather conditions; work what ever, I finally made it. I was accompanied by Steve, Brian and Tour Guide/Navigator Ed. Now I want to go back again. The main attraction is the sea duck that the area holds at this time of year. Harlequin Ducks, Eider and my all time favorite duck the Long Tailed Duck, there were all three Scoter as well but I only managed to photograph a Black Scoter. The forecast was for sunny skies and 42f with a 14mph wind. I dressed accordingly, a thermal long sleeved tee shirt, thin fleece sweater, down jacket and long goretex parka to keep the wind out. Damn weather forecaster got it wrong again, it was much hotter and less wind so I nearly suffered from heat stroke. What a Fantastic day out. It was marvelous, everything I was hoping for and more. Heres some of the 1444 pictures I took on Monday. Many more to come.

Barnegat Jetty

Common Eider

Common Eider

Harlequin Duck

Harlequin Duck

Harlequin Ducks

Long Tailed Duck

Long Tailed Duck

Purple Sandpiper

Dunlin and Purple Sandpiper

Dunlin