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DVOC Field Trip Report
by Sandra Keller

February 18, 2013
"North Shore", NJ

Our annual President's Day trip to the North Shore had to be very constrained in the number of places we hit because of the on-going road and beach closures due to Hurricane Sandy. We hit the whole loop around the Shark River Estuary. The combination of shallow and deep water areas and exposed mud flats led to a nice diversity. Highlights were the lone Horned Grebe, Lesser Scaup, and 140 or so Ruddy Ducks in one small area near some piers along Riverside Drive. Killdeer were spotted in 2 locations - perhaps pairing up already? A lone adult Bald Eagle was seen well in flight near its nest.
A new area was explored - Inlet Terrace off of 5th Ave. This spot provided limited views of the Shark River inlet - and we picked up Common Loons and Red-breasted Mergansers, but no Razorbills!

Our next stop was all the way south to the Mannasquan Inlet area. After checking the water up the inlet a bit, we slowly made our way over the rocks and out to the end of the inlet. Greater Scaup, many Common Loons, and Long-tailed Ducks were among the highlights. But again, no Razorbill or Bonaparte's Gull flocks around! Two drake Greater Scaup were in very close to the jetty for a good look and discussion on points separating them from Lesser.

We next hit Marshall's Pond in Tom's River - this was the first time here on this trip!
The long-staying Pink-footed Goose was on the water with hundreds of Canada Geese.
This was a life bird for several trip participants!

Any questions - please email me at [email protected]