Saturday, December 20: Manasquan Inlet

White-winged scoter by Beni Fishbein.

A birder's meetup

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

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— 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.  We will finished by 11:30 am. Should the weather be threatening, please check the Montclair Bird Club website the evening before for confirmation or cancellation. For more information, write MBCoutings@gmail.com.

There are no bathrooms at this location, but there is a Dunkin Donuts with restrooms just over the bridge on Route 35. 

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 to continue on Route 35 north to Broadway. Turn right (sign says “To beach”). Park at the end of Broadway across from 24-2 Broadway. For GPS, use the address 24-2 Broadway, Point Pleasant Beach.