Today I joined birding bud Maria Loukeris for a day of birding at Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area. It had been just over three years since I’d last birded Sandy Hook, so I jumped at the opportunity. We got very lucky with the weather; it was cold but with very little wind, which made it pleasant to be outside all day. All the birds we observed for the day were expected species, but there were still some nice highlights. My favorite moment of the day was getting a nice look (my first good look ever) at a beautiful Ipswich Savannah Sparrow. We also enjoyed seeing and hearing several flocks of Snow Buntings flying up and down the beach. We eventually got lucky with a flock that put down on the beach not very far from us. Also, Yellow-rumped Warblers were numerous; we seemed to be seeing and hearing them at almost every turn.
Matt, I love the White-winged scoter shot! Sandy Hook is one of my favorite places to bird on the coast, but I’ve never been there in winter. I plan to hit Jones Beach on the second to start off the year with some of the sea ducks. Should be a lot of fun.