Sandy Hook
March 29th 2014
Leaders: Scott Barnes, Sam Wilson, and Tom Reed
March 29th 2014
Leaders: Scott Barnes, Sam Wilson, and Tom Reed
The chilly and rainy weather didn't dampen the spirits of 8 hardy kids (plus some parents) who joined us for a few hours of birding. We began with the vanguard flocks of Northern Gannets locally (they're late this year), plus the usual assortment of coastal waterfowl, including Black and Surf Scoters. A trudge out to the end of the fisherman's trail produced a fly-by Merlin and a respectable count of 16 Piping Plovers at the tidal cut. We enjoyed the antics of pair-bonding and territory-defending American Oystercatchers. Offshore, breeding-plumaged Long-tailed Ducks, a Red-necked Grebe and both loons were noted. Horseshoe Cove had surprisingly little waterfowl, but a Harbor Seal flopping around on the surface provided some entertainment. Early spring migrants included returning Ospreys, several Eastern Phoebes, and Field Sparrow. Hundreds of American Robins and Cedar Waxwings continue to reside in the hook's extensive maritime forest. After about three hours in what was becoming steady rain, we decided to call it a day. Thanks to everyone who braved the weather and joined us!
-Sam Wilson
-Sam Wilson
Species List
Total: 44 species
Brant (Atlantic)
Canada Goose
American Black Duck
Mallard
Surf Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Black Scoter
Long-tailed Duck
Common Goldeneye
Bufflehead
Red-breasted Merganser
Red-throated Loon
Common Loon
Horned Grebe
Red-necked Grebe
Northern Gannet
Double-crested Cormorant
Osprey
American Oystercatcher
Piping Plover (17!)
Killdeer
Sanderling
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Mourning Dove
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)
Merlin
Eastern Phoebe
Brown Creeper
Carolina Wren
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)
Field Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Total: 44 species
Brant (Atlantic)
Canada Goose
American Black Duck
Mallard
Surf Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Black Scoter
Long-tailed Duck
Common Goldeneye
Bufflehead
Red-breasted Merganser
Red-throated Loon
Common Loon
Horned Grebe
Red-necked Grebe
Northern Gannet
Double-crested Cormorant
Osprey
American Oystercatcher
Piping Plover (17!)
Killdeer
Sanderling
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Mourning Dove
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)
Merlin
Eastern Phoebe
Brown Creeper
Carolina Wren
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)
Field Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle