NOTE: due to the weather predictions, this trip has been re-scheduled from it’s original Saturday date to Sunday Jan. 26, when it should be around 10 degrees warmer.

Today we will focus on winter waterfowl (Ducks, alcids, loons, grebes, coots, and gulls) by car caravan.  There is not too much walking on this trip, and driving from location to location allows us to warm up in the car between stops.  Specific locations will depend on how much open water we have during this chilly winter; fresh water ponds are mostly frozen, so we’ll focus on salt water locations.  Likely locations include Lake of the Lilies in Pt. Pleasant Beach, Manasquan Inlet, where we should see plenty of loons and gulls and hope for some close Razorbills.  Yummy rarities like Dovekies, Thick-billed Murre, and Little Gull have been seen here this week, and Pacific Loon, Black-headed Gull, Red-necked Grebe, and Common Murre has shown up here over the years. Snow Buntings are hanging around the beach. Then we’ll head 20 minutes further north to Shark River Inlet, where we’ll have another shot at all of those species and we should find plenty more waterfowl, since the water stays unfrozen there.

Greg Prelich will be leader for this trip. We will meet at 9AM, at Lake of the Lilies (310 Elizabeth Ave, Pt Pleasant Beach). There are no toilets until we reach Shark River, so dress really warmly, and don’t overload on the morning coffee.  We will have some spotting scopes, but bring your own scope if you have one. For trip details, call Jay or Greg.