Saturday, December 20: Manasquan Inlet

White winged scoter by Beni Fishbein.

8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Meet at 8:30 am at the end of Broadway in Point Pleasant Beach; driving directions are here. 

A birder’s meetup

With the beginning of winter, the birding on New Jersey’s North Shore is at its very best. Depending on winds and weather, we can hope to see hundreds or thousands of northern gannets, all three scoters, common eiders, both loon species, horned grebes, great cormorants, purple sandpipers, and perhaps a razorbill or two. Dress for what is likely to be cold weather—and it will feel even colder, as we expect to spend much of the morning standing on the southern jetty guarding the inlet. If time allows, we’ll explore other nearby areas for more wintering species. Bring binoculars, a snack and something warm to drink.  If you have one, a spotting scope can be very useful here.  Should the weather be threatening, please check the Montclair Bird Club website the evening before for confirmation or cancellation.  For more information, contact MBCoutings@gmail.com.

There are no bathrooms at this location; however, just over the bridge on Route 35 is a Dunkin’ Donuts that has bathrooms. 

Driving directions: Take the Garden State Parkway south to Exit 98.  Get on Route 34 South which turns into Route 35 South.  Just over the bridge, make a U-turn and continue on Route 35 north to Broadway.  Turn right, (sign says “To beach”).  Park at end of beach across from 24-2 Broadway.  For GPS use this address: 24-2 Broadway, Point Pleasant Beach.