Linda’s For the Birds: The Barnegat Jetty Show
Ruddy Turnstone bathing.
All photos courtesy of Linda Gangi
by Linda GangiAll photos courtesy of Linda Gangi
If you missed the event on Saturday it is not too late to see these birds. Don’t delay however, spring is approaching and these visiting winter birds will most likely be gone by the end of March, if not sooner.
Harlequin Ducks that breed in the far North Eastern regions of North America move south for the winter, and some to Barnegat Jetty because they prefer fast moving, rough waters along a rocky coastline. A gorgeous duck, its markings are a combination of blue, black, rust and white. The female is a drabber brown with white facial markings. A detailed description could never do it justice you just have to see it to believe it.
Harlequin Duck pair.
The Common Eider, the largest duck in the Northern Hemisphere and an artic breeder, spends a great deal of time at sea and is not usually seen easily from shore. Even along Barnegat Jetty they have a tendency to spend most of the time a considerable way out, it is uncommon to see them at close range as we did. The male is a striking white and black with a long sloping bill, the female a drabber brown.
Common Eider.
Other winter visitors that enjoy a rocky shoreline are the Purple Sandpiper and the Ruddy Turnstone. The sandpipers we see aren’t purple at all - that will develop with their breeding plumage (tinges of it will be seen on their mantle). Turnstones will begin to fill in with an abstract black and white facial pattern set off by the striking russet patches on their wings.
Purple Sandpiper.
I must put a plug in for the Ipswich Sparrow, a Savannah Sparrow subspecies. This attractive bird looks like a bleached version of the Savannah. A helpful identifier is the yellow lore, the area between the eye and the beak. Here only during the winter, they breed on Sable Island in Nova Scotia. More patience may be required to locate them. Look around the jetty and throughout the dunes on Long Beach Island during the winter months to find them.
I spoke to quite a few people and they all exuded enthusiasm. All were willing to share and compare. In my opinion, birding isn’t just about the birds, it’s about the experience. It’s nice to be able to list your bird species, or witness incredible flights, or amazing displays, but it’s even nicer to have someone to share it with.
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Posted by WILDNEWJERSEY at 3/14/2011 1:00 PM 
Categories: Linda's For the Birds
Tags: barnegat jetty ruddy turnstone Harlequin Duck common eider purple sandpiper
Categories: Linda's For the Birds
Tags: barnegat jetty ruddy turnstone Harlequin Duck common eider purple sandpiper
Great article. Was at barnegat yesterday and got a chance to see all these birds (minus the ruddy turnstone) and more!
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