We decided to start a “Black Friday” tradition of our own this year and headed out to make a pretty good run at some quality birds seen recently in New Jersey. Unaware of the apparent ramifications of a Thanksgiving night cold front we had visions of birds such as Calliope Hummingbird, Sandhill Crane, Evening Grosbeak, White-winged Crossbill, Harlequin Ducks and Western Kingbirds. Turned out, we struck out on all but the Harlequin. As if by consolation, Long-tailed Duck, Common Eider, Red-throated Loon and my first Purple Sandpiper made appearances. It was cold and rather windy but the array of birds kept “spirits” warm. Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling, Common Loon, Northern Gannet and a flock of Scoter kept me company and provided a worthwhile ending to our first, mediocre Black Friday birding excursion. BTW, the Harlequin seen for the first time are as stunning as one imagines.
Leave a reply