A Winter Weekend at the Jersey Shore: Barnegat

It will be cold. It will be blustery. There will be amazing birds. It's Barnegat on the Jersey shore in winter, and we'll be there again this year.

Barnegat Light is where the Atlantic Ocean’s wild beauty meets some of the east coast’s most unforgettable birding. The jetty there is a prime spot for winter coastal specialties such as harlequin ducks that ride the surf like tiny, painted boats, and purple sandpipers that skitter across the rocks, unfazed by the icy spray. Bobbing in the water, sea ducks such as eider, scoter, and scaup as well as loons and long-tailed ducks can be found. The beach and dunes often provide delights such as Ipswich sparrows, snow buntings, and brants. And in past years we've even been lucky enough to be surprised by the appearance of razorbills, gannets, redpolls, and dovekies. Sometimes the worst weather can bring out the best birds - you never know what you'll find unless you brave the conditions to find out.

Bring binoculars; the guides will have spotting scopes available to share, but if you have one you may want to bring it. DRESS WARMLY – the wind can often be biting. (And that’s an understatement.) You may wish to bring hiking poles for stability as we will be walking in soft sand part of the time. Those new to birding as well as children (who must be accompanied by an adult) are always welcome to attend all Valley Forge Audubon Society events.

A restroom is available at the state park parking lot where we will meet.

After our walk we will head to a nearby eatery for warm food and camaraderie before venturing out again to a few other birding locations on the bay side of Long Beach Island. Please join us for any part of the day, or all of it.

NJDEP | Barnegat Lighthouse State Park | New Jersey State Park Service

Photo credit: Surf Scoter, taken by Jaime Thomas at Barnegat