Another weekend, another trip to the Barnegat jetty to see coastal birds. Every trip brings something new and exciting. This time, the waves were high and the waterfowl stayed closer to the jetty than they have in the past. I got the best looks at Harlequin, Long-tailed Ducks, Red-breasted Mergansers and Common Loons than I ever have. The biggest “up-close” surprise, however, were the Scoters. We came across one or two as we were making our way up the jetty; as we got closer to the end, we noticed the large flock.
Flock of Black and Surf Scoters
As we got closer, they went a little bit out to see, so we waited at the end of the jetty.
Black and Surf Scoters
They ended up floating in closer once again and we snapped away.
Surf Scoters
Black Scoters
The birds would fly down the jetty…
Black Scoter Flying by
Surf Scoter Flying by
… float back out to sea and repeat.
Varying Plumages of Surf Scoters
It was fun watching them land – their form was different from what I’ve seen from other birds.
Surf Scoter Landing
Black Scoters Landing
They are not very graceful when they hit the water and look very goofy in the process.
Black Scoters Landing
Surf Scoter Landing
This was yet another successful trip with good friends and great photo ops!
Black and Surf Scoters Landing