February 17,2007 Field Trip to Barnegat Light, lead by John Courtney

This was a joint trip with New Jersey Audubon Society. There was a total of about 8 attending. Weather was good - cool and windy, no precipitation. Wind was originally out of the Northwest, later sifting to Southwest, with a slight temperature drop.

Parts of the bay were frozen, particularly south of the inlet, which cut down on waterfowl opportunities somewhat. We did have very good looks at Harlequin Ducks, so no one can ask for a refund! Others were Long-tailed ducks ( very close) Brant, American Wigeon, Northern Pintail, Lesser Scarp, Black & Surf Scoters, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, and Common Eider. Other sightings were many Common Loon, Horned Grebe, Great Cormorant, American Oystercatcher, and Purple Sandpiper. We had about 28 species in all.