Since November, I visited Barnegat once every month. Each time, my views of Long-tailed Ducks got better and better.
During the November trip, females and young males gave us nice looks. I did not get any photos of an adult male.
Two female Long-tailed Ducks
During my next trip in December, I had hundreds of Ducks to look at off of the jetty.
Large flock of 200+ Long-tailed Ducks
The flock consisted of mostly first years and females, who are still very beautiful!
Female and young male Long-tailed Ducks
Within that flock were several adult males, one of which was showing off for us.
An adult male showing off
Male Long-tailed Ducks flying by
In January, the waterfowl stayed close to the jetty, so we got killer looks at males and females of varying winter plumages..
First year male Long-tailed Duck
Female Long-tailed Duck with mussel
Adult male Long-tailed Duck
One bird in particular stayed close by and we could see him swimming under the water.
Adult male ready to dive
Adult male diving
Maybe next time I see them they will be up on the rocks?
Long-tailed Duck up close