Manasquan Inlet, April 9th, 2011

I spent about three hours on the south jetty of Manasquan Inlet, hoping the light east winds would bring some seabirds close to shore. The highlights were a Glaucous Gull, Common Loons in breeding plumage, many adult Northern Gannets, and Double-crested Cormorants migrating north. In addition, there were some Purple Sandpipers flying around the jetties. I first saw the Glaucous Gull a little before 1:30 p.m., flying in off the ocean. I first noticed the spectacular white wings, and then watched it fly in and land amongst the group of gulls roosting on the beach.

Full Species List:

Brant Surf Scoter
Black Scoter Red-breasted Merganser
Red-throated Loon Common Loon
Northern Gannet Double-crested Cormorant
Purple Sandpiper Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull Herring Gull
Glaucous Gull Great Black-backed Gull

Glaucous Gull

Glaucous Gull

Can you pick out the Glaucous Gull?

Common Loon in spectacular breeding plumage; note especially the green iridescence on the neck

TURN YOUR SOUND DOWN FOR THE VIDEOS; the wave noise is a little overwhelming

The first two videos are migrating Double-crested Cormorants. The first shows some of the flight style of the group as a whole. The second focuses on a few individuals.

Adult Northern Gannet heading north.

BlakeMathys.com