South Jersey thread (1 Viewer)

[edpronay]

🤣 Yeah I know. It's always going to be Brig to me, I'll never forget the 2 American Bitterns landing right beside the car back in 1975.

As for the warm clothing advice, absolutely. It's really bitter when the wind rips across the inlet. You need multi layered gloves as well as jackets.
You often don't need a long lens to get great shots as at times the Harlequins hang around on the jetty just a couple of yards away.

Those are magnificent!

 

[MikeInPA]

Thanks Guys, funnily enough my favorite is the much more subdued Long-tailed Duck. In 2022 there were several hundred in the inlet and they were superb in the sunlight. Here's a post I did from that day.

Barnegat and Brigantine

 

[MikeInPA]

The duck numbers at Barnegat are increasing. I can see an imminent visit is on the horizon.

Barnegat Lighthouse SP

 

[dak]

I saw a flock of Cedar Waxwings today. They are such gorgeous birds. It made me happy, as I have not seen any in a long time. I think they are declining around here, as my 10 year old Sibley guide lists them as common but Merlin has them being uncommon. Of course as soon as I picked up my camera they took off 😒

 

[edpronay]

A photo is just a bonus!
You spent some quality time outdoors and you seen those magnificent birds, that all that matters.

 

[dak]

Hey Ed, there was some good activity at gull pond tower so far. Coots, green teal, pintails, and an adult eagle cruising around, but the harrier hasn't shown up yet.

 

[edpronay]

That's cool! I'll get there probably next week.

 

[dak]

I recently discovered that Stockton University is a very good birding venue, even though I an an alumnus from 30 years ago. A-wing circle and nearby lake Fred are particularly good for song birds and those who feed on them. I saw a flock of cedar waxwings at A wing circle and got some good captures I hope.

 

[edpronay]

I newer been there before. Are you going there on Monday or Tuesday? The weather seems to be really good.

 

[dak]

I should be around tuesday. Text me.

 

[dak]

Picked up a bittern today! This one standing out in the open soaking in the afternoon sun.

 

[edpronay]

Nice! I seen this guy only once, some years ago, in Cape May.

 

[edpronay]

Just a few photos from Monday. It wasn't much happening there, but it was a good day anyway.

 

[dak]

Really soft photo, it was far away, but a short eared owl was at FNWR todyay.

 

[edpronay]

Nice, I do not see them frequently!

 

[dak]

Today I saw an adult bald eagle go to ground in the salt marsh, sat there a bit, and took off with something in its talons. After looking at the photos I could see it was a big clump of marsh grass. I can only assume the resident pair are starting to repair and line their nest for the upcoming brood. Looking forward to a new batch of eaglets!

 

[dak]

Today both adult eagles were at their nest. Babies should be coming late march I think?

 

[edpronay]

That nest is pretty far, unfortunately. But my 2X teleconverter is ready for the upcoming action

 

[dak]

Good luck Ed! It is too far for my 500mm, except for landscape style shots. You know I'm thinking about a 500mm prime you told me about with a 1.4 converter, but it's just like taking out a mortgage!

 

[edpronay]

Do not spend too much money on photo gear! There is no limit on how much you can sink in this hobby.
If you want a 500mm prime - get used F-mount (if you are ok with the weight): https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/802665918-USE/nikon_2172_af_s_nikkor_500mm_f_4g.html
Or just get the 180-600mm zoom, it looks very good: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...sEKUQhBXK2Z4AmS2kzFGEYWRc2zY7wQRoCCI0QAvD_BwE