You know those rocks on the beach that signs say you should not go on? You should go on them! Not actually, if there's a sign...don't do it. However, some jetties, such as the one at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, are flat enough to walk all over semi-safely. Birding on the jetty in the winter is one of the most exciting things a birder can experience. On the East Coast, common Winter rock birds include Ruddy Turnstone, Purple Sandpiper, and Dunlin. However, the real fun is in the water. All three scoters can usually be seen. In some places, Common Eiders form rafts of over one hundred. At Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, rare Harlequin Ducks spend the Winter along the jetty. This is definitely the most reliable location for them in the Mid-Atlantic, and maybe even the East Coast. King Eiders can sometimes be found within the massive raft of Commons here and other places such as Nummy Island in Cape May. Although jetty birding is great, it can be dangerous. I've heard a few stories of people slipping and getting caught in between the rocks. Jetties experience tides, you can put two and two together...no one has actually drowned that I know of, but better to be safe than sorry. Take my advice, don't bring a tripod for a scope of camera. Your binoculars and camera around your neck will suit you well, the birds are surprisingly approachable...don't get too close, though. I'm a big advocate for the "birds have their boundaries too" campaign. Sorry to folks from the West, I don't know too much about jetty birding on the Pacific Coast. Hopefully I'll learn about it next year when I'm in Washington. Feel free to comment any facts about it or photos you have.
So get out on the jetties and have a totally new experience with birds, but be careful doing so.
Good birding!
- Mike
Harlequin Duck
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
March 2013
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