2012 is my third calendar year birding in Centre County, PA. So far I have only birded in the county during the fall semester of 2010 and the fall semester of 2011. I have never birded in Centre County during the spring or summer. During the two fall semesters that I have been in the county for, I have managed to rack up a Centre County species list of 221. Of all the counties I have ever birded in, I love adding species to my Centre County list the most. Three hundred and two species have been reported into eBird for Centre County, so I still have a lot of potential species to try to add to my list, however I have gone through the remaining species and narrowed the list down to my 25 Most Wanted. Below are the 25 species in order of taxonomy, with some comments concerning their respective history in Centre County.

1 - Cackling Goose

This species is seen regularly in other parts of the state, particularly the southeastern corner, but is quite rare in Centre County. Cackling Geese are most often found during spring migration mixed in with large groups of Canada Geese. Bald Eagle SP and the Duck Pond seem to be the two most likely locations for me to be able to see this species within the county. In addition, I bet a Cackling Goose mixed in with the thousands of Canada Geese I see pass over Jo Hays Vista during fall migration, would also be reasonable.

2 - Trumpeter Swan

As far as swans go, only Tundra and Mute Swan have been reported in Centre County, however I think we are due for a Trumpeter Swan. This is a species I have seen a number of times in other areas of PA and feel like its only a matter of time before we find one here in Centre County. Bald Eagle SP and Colyer Lake would be the most likely locations for this species in my opinion.

3 - Greater White-fronted Goose

Another rare goose, especially in central PA - there have only been a handful of records in Centre County. My chances for this species are even less than my chances for the previous two waterfowl species, but I am going to keep my hopes up and wait for the day that I drive over to Colyer Lake and see a Greater White-fronted Goose mixed in with the Canada Geese.

4 - Eared Grebe

Horned Grebes are quite common during both spring and fall migration through Centre County but their western counterpart, the Eared Grebe is very rare. There have only been three records of this species in the county - one at the Duck Pond, one at the PSU Retention Pond, and one at Bald Eagle SP. I think its quite a long shot that I should get this species, but it seems reasonable to hope, especially if I put in enough hours at Bald Eagle SP during migration.

5 - American Bittern

This species' absence on my Centre County life list is due entirely to the fact that I have not been in the county during the spring and early summer, when American Bitterns are most commonly-encountered. I don't think there should be any problem finding this species this spring.

American Bittern (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

6 - Cattle Egret

This species is uncommon to rare in PA and is only casually seen in Centre County. The most recent sighting was of a handful of birds that spent at few days at the Polled Hereford Farm last spring. With more and more birders out in the county on a daily basis, I believe reports of Cattle Egrets will increase and hopefully I am around to go see one.

7 - Glossy Ibis

This species is pretty much in the same boat as Cattle Egret - they are rarely seen in the county, although we do have quite a bit of decent habitat that could lure them into stopping, and hopefully a birder will be there to get the word out. Most reports of Glossy Ibis are single birds during the spring months, with a record high count of eleven birds seen by Merrill Wood in 1983!

8 - Northern Goshawk

Of the regularly occurring diurnal raptors in Centre County, the Northern Goshawk is the only one I have not yet seen. Goshawks are rare in this part of the state and are typically only seen during migration when they pass by hawkwatches. I make sure I spend lots of time up at Jo Hays Vista during fall raptor migration, so I think one of these days I am bound to be sitting up there in the bitter cold and snow, and get lucky enough to see a goshawk cruise past.

9 - Common Gallinule

This is a rare species in Centre County, but is often reported a few times during spring migration, with the most recent sighting at Scotia Pond last spring. I think with all the wetland habitat around the county, this is a very reasonable species to try to find and add to my list this spring.

Common Gallinule (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

10 - Virginia Rail

Virginia Rail is an uncommon, but widespread species in Centre County and is most often reported in May. I believe that if I go out in search of this secretive species enough, I should not have any issue with at least hearing one respond to playback...but we will have to wait and see.

11 - American Avocet 

12 - Short-billed Dowitcher

13 - Stilt Sandpiper

Last August 8th, while I was baking in the hot sun of southwestern Arizona, I got a text alert from the SCRBA that said there was an American Avocet, multiple Stilt Sandpipers, and a whole flock of Short-billed Dowitchers foraging alongside other shorebirds at Colyer Lake. Needless to say, I was jealous. I am very proud of my shorebird list for the county so far, but adding the above three species would be amazing.

American Avocet (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

14 - Buff-breasted Sandpiper

There are only a few records of this species from Centre County and all were birds pushed down by storms during fall migration. With the hundreds of acres of plowed fields around Centre County, I think it is only a matter of time before we are able to find Buff-breasted Sandpiper. The fields along North Nixon Rd look ideal for this species during the fall, but despite nearly daily checks last year we could not turn up a Buff-breasted Sandpiper - hopefully this year things will be different.

15 - Wilson's Phalarope

Of the three phalarope species, Wilson's is the most commonly reported in Centre County. The most recent report was of a bird that hung out at Julian Wetlands for three days last May. I think chances are pretty good that we should be able to find one again this spring.

16 - Any interesting gull species

I am not going to be picky for this one - I just want some sort of gull that isn't a Herring, Ring-billed, or Bonaparte's. The problem with gulls in Centre County is that we don't have any location that draws in gulls. There are no massive landfills in Centre County and we don't have a major river flowing through the county. Occasionally during the winter, decent numbers of Ring-billed and Herring Gulls gather at Bald Eagle SP, so I think my best bet for finding anything out of the usual would be there.

Would it be too much to ask to see a Lesser Black-backed Gull loafing on the swimming beach at Bald Eagle SP??? (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

17 - Eurasian Collared-Dove

With this species successfully spreading to more and more parts of the country, I believe that the one bird seen last spring here in Centre County (representing a new county record) won't be the last. The many small towns surrounded by farmland throughout the county seem like ideal locations to find Eurasian Collared-Doves - I'll be on the lookout!

18 - Snowy Owl

The winter of 2011/2012 has so far been an incredible invasion year for Snowy Owls into the lower 48 states. Pennsylvania has already had a number of reports during the past few months, including at least four birds that were spotted south of Centre County. It would be a shame if we couldn't find one here in Centre County.

19 - Rufous Hummingbird

With more and more people being informed to leave their hummingbird feeders up during the late fall and winter, reports of Rufous Hummingbirds (and other western hummingbirds) have sky-rocketed. It is not at all unreasonable to think that Rufous Hummingbirds are no longer 'vagrants' to Pennsylvania, but more likely regular migrants through the state - although very unlikely detected without luring them in to a feeder. I pretty much guarantee that if each member of the State College Bird Club would put up and maintain a hummingbird feeder throughout the late fall and winter, we would have at least one Rufous Hummingbird reported in the county every year.

Rufous Hummingbirds migrant through Centre County - we just need to keep feeders up and lure one in. (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

20 - Ash-throated Flycatcher

This species is probably the most outlandish and unlikely one on this list. There are no records of this species in central PA however, I think that with enough birders out in the field around Centre County, searching carefully through our best hotspots, we could definitely stumble into one of these beautiful western Myiarchus flycatchers with a bit of luck.

21 - Purple Martin

Not much to say about this one - should be pretty simple to get once summer comes around. Only birding in this county during the fall months has meant that I have not yet had the opportunity for a Purple Martin and I can't wait to fix that.

22 - Marsh Wren

The Marsh Wren is considered regular though uncommon in Centre County. Millbrook Marsh and any of the various wetlands around the county seem like very reasonable locations for this species during migration and even breeding season. With some effort, I think this shouldn't be a hard species to pick up.

Marsh Wren (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

23 - Orchard Oriole

Another one of those species that I have not yet seen in the county because I have never birded here during the spring and summer. I should have no trouble finding this species in May and June at a number of local hotspots, particularly Millbrook Marsh.

24 - Cerulean Warbler

This is the only regularly occurring warbler species I have left to see in Centre County. Cerulean Warblers are very difficult to find during fall migration however they are found yearly during spring migration and quite a few breed in the county. I am hoping to add this beautiful but declining warbler to my list as soon as possible.

25 - Grasshopper Sparrow

The large expanses of reclaimed strip mines in the northern portion of Centre County have created wonderful breeding habitat for Grasshopper Sparrows. Grasshopper Sparrows are present during fall migration but are difficult to find and their migration patterns through the county are a mystery, however during spring and summer when the bird's are singing and defending their breeding territories, I have heard they are fairly easy to find.

My Top 25 Most Wanted Centre County Species for 2012 by Alex Lamoreaux - Nemesis Bird - birding and ornithology in Pennsylvania and beyond

This Townsend's Warbler was found by Dr. Andy Green in his backyard in Cumberland County, PA. It constitutes the fourth documented record of this species for Pennsylvania. Dr. Green has been an extremely generous host to bird watchers who have "chased" this bird, to visit and see it for themselves.

See more videos on Youtube.

The PA Townsend’s Warbler music video by Andy McGann - Nemesis Bird - birding and ornithology in Pennsylvania and beyond

This video was made by The Big Year publicists to build some anticipation for the release. Like Robert at Birding is Fun!, I am not sure how to take this clip. I don't think that it at all goes with the movie which I enjoyed and is actually kind of offensive. Leave a comment on your thoughts!

Video link

Uncovering The Big Year by Drew Weber - Nemesis Bird - birding and ornithology in Pennsylvania and beyond

Yesterday morning, I drove around some agricultural areas near Woodward, PA in search of winter raptors. I was rewarded with distant but still satisfying looks at five Rough-legged Hawks in addition to a few Red-tailed Hawks and American Kestrels. Running alongside one of the roads we drove was a small creek that hadn't yet iced over. Perched on telephone wires above the creek were a male Belted Kingfisher and a male American Kestrel. The two birds were about 100 feet apart from each other. I have always sort of thought of the Belted Kingfisher as filling the same niche as the American Kestrel, only it hunts aquatic animals whereas the kestrel hunts terrestrial animals. Being able to see the two species side-by-side, the kingfisher scanning the water for prey and the kestrel scanning the tall grass for prey, was such a neat sight and I thought I would share some photos with you all.

American Kestrel - male (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

Belted Kingfisher - male (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

Kestrel and Kingfisher by Alex Lamoreaux - Nemesis Bird - birding and ornithology in Pennsylvania and beyond

Over the weekend, I finally made some progress with a group of jays that have been ignoring me.  I haven't spent much time with this group, just because they have been so unresponsive. Approaching them on foot in the scrub never got me anywhere either. But on sunday, I walked up to a single jay in this group, and while it tolerated my presence, it seemed just a bit agitated.  This is actually what I was looking for; some jays just sit and preen while I do just about everything to get their attention, which can be pretty frustrating for me. I could tell the first peanut I threw in the jays direction caught its eye, as it re-positioned itself on the branch for a better look at the sand where it dropped.

A new jay checking out the scene of free food

I crouched down in the scrub, and as I threw a few more peanuts, the jay started calling. Most of them do this right before they fly to the ground to grab the peanut, and you can almost hear a sense of frustration in their raspy calls as you watch them decide what to do.  The tracks on the sand tell me that groups of jays frequently forage along the sandy roads in the scrub, but they are hesitant to be so exposed with a peanut-throwing stranger just a few feet away. Finally, this jay flew to the ground and rushed in for a peanut. Within seconds the jay was gone in a blue blur, but I knew I had just created a peanut addict.

Florida Scrub-Jay coming in for its first peanut

Within minutes, the jay was back for more. On its third visit, it was followed in by another jay. This jay took great interest in watching the original jay snatch a peanut, which is exactly what I wanted. Once one jay in a group shows interest in me, other jays follow, and they all slowly start to see how easy and un-scary it is to take advantage of the free food.  Choosing the easiest way that it knew to get food, it pursued the jay with the nut into the scrub.  Both came back, and as the original jay landed back in the scrub on its favorite perch, it wasn’t pleased to be followed by the apparent intruder. A jay fight took them both to a high snag, where the intruder was forced off the top. The original peanut-eater came in for a peanut and left, while I continued to try to lure the other jay in. I had a whopper of a peanut with 3 nuts in it, and I knew it would be hard for any jay to resist. Sure enough, the large peanut was the motivation the jay needed to come in and get its first treat from me. 

Who could resist such a huge peanut...

The two continued to come in for peanuts and fight eachother for about 45 minutes. Other jays were calling in the distance, and a few stopped to see the peanut action, but the constant fight for food kept them away, but interested; I am sure next time I visit this site, I’ll have more takers.

Back at the group of jays that have been taking peanuts since day one, I got at least two different individuals to step into the trap for a peanut. These jays are losing their fear of me and let me sit very close to them while they snack on peanuts.

Florida Scrub-Jay searching for a peanut

Florida Scrub-Jay about to snatch a peanut from inside the dummy trap

Nuts for peanuts by Anna Fasoli - Nemesis Bird - birding and ornithology in Pennsylvania and beyond

While birding at Toftees gamelands here in State College, PA on January 18th, I found an Eastern Screech-Owl poking its head out of a cavity in a tree. I went back this evening to see if the owl was still there, and as soon as I walked up to the tree I could see the owl's little gray face looking back at me! Hopefully, the owl is planning on nesting in that cavity! Below is a photo I took this evening of the owl - sorry for the bad quality, but it was the best I could do in the rain and fog.

Eastern Screech-Owl - gray type (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

Eastern Screech-Owl at nest cavity (?) by Alex Lamoreaux - Nemesis Bird - birding and ornithology in Pennsylvania and beyond

In high anticipation of the January 31st DVD release of The Big Year, Nemesis Bird is giving away a copy of the movie to one of our blog fans! The contest will run from now through midnight January 31. Scroll past my review for details on how to enter the contest.

Review: I just watched the movie again when my review copy arrived. The DVD comes with the theatrical edition plus an extended edition that is narrated by John Cleese. I opted for the extended edition and thoroughly enjoyed the running commentary. The theatrical version features commentary by Jack Black's character, Brad, and is sparse. I personally enjoyed the narration from John Cleese and thought it helped to explain more of the movie, as well as give it more of a documentary feel.

One part of the movie that I found particularly amusing was Jim Parson's character, Ichabod Crane, a bird blogger. Instead of the typical sightings and photography posts like the bird blogs I read, Crane's blog was more of a celebrity gossip blog, passing along rumors of who was doing a big year and how they were faring. I think a blog like this would be fascinating to read but might not end up making that blogger many friends in the birding world.

I again loved seeing all the birds that made it into the movie, from the over-the-top fallout scene to more realistic shots of birds scattered throughout the movie.

My favorite part of The Big Year is seeing birding portrayed in a mostly positive light on the big screen. I think it gets across a lot of the joy of birding as well as some of the conflicts that are inherent in a competitive sport where rankings are based on the honor system. It will be interesting to see if this movie takes on a second life once it is released on DVD. The box office numbers weren't too great but I think this could become a cult classic for birders to enjoy together and to show others in an attempt to show some of the novelty of our hobby.

How to enter:

Complete the 2 steps below to be entered to win. Contest closes at midnight on January 31. Winner will be randomly selected from all the entrants who complete the following steps.

1. Like our page. You can either click the Like link on the top of our sidebar on this blog or go to our facebook page and Like the page there. If you have done this in the past, you are good to go. You only need to like us once.

2. Leave a comment the Nemesis Bird Facebook page telling us what your favorite part of the movie was (if you saw it). If you haven't watched the movie yet, take the quiz below and let us know which bird you are like, or what you are anticipating most in the movie.

One entry per person, per day. Multiple comments will count as additional entries if they are posted on different days. We can only have the DVD shipped to addresses in Canada and the US.

We will contact the winner on February 1st.

Comedic Icons Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson

Star in the Hilarious Outdoor Adventure Coming to Blu-ray and DVD January 31!

Brad (Jack Black) tells his father that he can relate to a certain bird species because both he and the bird are both generally underestimated. Here, after taking this quiz, you'll be able to see what kind of bird you might most closely resemble. Are you an avid decorator like the bowerbird? Do you like to show off your dance moves to impress the ladies like a riflebird? You'll know for sure what bird best suits your personality after taking our test!

Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson portray three men from very different walks of life, facing a mid-life crisis, a work-life crisis and a no-life crisis.  In the biggest competition of their lives, they undertake an unforgettable trek through North America, engaging in hilarious and bizarre adventures and forming friendships that will last a lifetime!

What Bird Are You?

1. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

1. Australia, for sure!
2. I’ve always wanted to explore a tropical rainforest!
3. I don’t like to travel; I’d rather just stay home.
4. I can’t choose just one place! I want to travel everywhere!

1. How do you attract a member of the opposite sex?

1. I give make them something unique, or give them a memorable present.
2. I woo the opposite sex with my sweet dance moves!
3. I show them that I will be committed and protective of them in the future.
4. I treat them as my equal and try to find an activity we can share with one another.

1. What is your favorite color?

1. Anything bright and flashy!
2. Blue
3. Yellow
4. Brown

1. What is your hidden talent?

1. I’m really crafty; I can make cool things from common objects.
2. I’m a great dancer!
3. I’ve been told I have an interesting singing voice!
4. I’m super resilient – I can do a lot on little sleep and with few or no breaks.

1. How would you describe your personality?

1. I’m really complex, so I can’t succinctly describe my personality.
2. I’m outgoing and independent – the life of the party!
3. I’m a homebody, but I’m fun to be around and really protective of the things and people I love.
4. I have tons of friends and live a sort of jet set lifestyle – I’m definitely a world traveler.

Mostly A’s 

You are most like a bowerbird! Bowerbirds are renowned for their unique (and crafty!) courtship behavior. Males will build structures (called bowers) out of sticks and brightly colored objects in an attempt to attract a mate. Bowerbirds are also extremely good at mimicking other creatures, including pigs, waterfalls, and human chatter. This complex behavior has led many to believe that bowerbirds are the most behaviorally complex species of bird. Bowerbirds are mainly found in varying parts of Australia.

Mostly B’s 

You’re a riflebird! Male riflebirds are polygamous and known for their flashy mating “dance.” During this courtship display, the male will fully extend his wings, raise his tail and hop upward while swinging his head (allowing him to show off his blue-green breast shield). Female riflebirds observe this “dance” and, if satisfied, will reward the male by mating with him. The females then take care of their young without male assistance. These birds are mainly found in the rainforests of New Guinea and Northeastern Australia.

Mostly C’s 

You are a blue tit! One thing that blue tits are known for is being “resident” birds, meaning that they do not migrate. Blue tits are very popular garden birds in Europe due to their perky acrobatic performances and interesting calls when feeding. Blue tits are also very protective of their nests and eggs, and exhibit a lot of excited behavior when feeding and nesting. Blue tits will also nest in any suitable hole, including artificial nesting boxes (most birds will not readily settle in an artificial nesting box).

Mostly D’s 

You’re most like a bar-tailed godwit! The bar-tailed godwit migrates in flocks to places like East Asia, Alaska, New Zealand, Australia, Africa and northwestern Europe. Bar-tailed godwits take the longest non-stop flight of any bird species, traveling from New Zealand to the Yellow Sea in China! These birds also share the responsibility of incubating and caring for their young between both the males and the females.

Disclaimer: The giveaway copy of The Big Year was kindly provided by Think Jam.

The Big Year DVD giveaway by Drew Weber - Nemesis Bird - birding and ornithology in Pennsylvania and beyond

A few days ago, Dr. Andy Green reported an adult female Townsend's Warbler visiting his backyard along with a Pine Warbler. Once accepted, this Townsend's Warbler will be PA's 4th State Record. Today was the first day my friends and I were free to make the drive down to see this beautiful western warbler and we were rewarded with great looks at the bird three times during our hour-long stay. Thanks to Dr. Green for allowing birders to visit his wonderful and bird-filled backyard!

Townsend's Warbler - adult female (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

Pine Warbler - adult male (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

After getting great looks at both the Townsend's Warbler and Pine Warbler, we drove over to Mud Level Rd to check up on the Snowy Owl, Prairie Falcon, and whatever field birds might be around. We quickly located the Snowy Owl, which was sitting on the southeast side of Mud Level Rd and then went in search of the Prairie Falcon. We checked all of its usual perches, and couldn't find it. But then I got a call from Ian Gardner, who was in the car behind us that he just spotted the falcon fly in and land on a telephone pole behind us. We quickly turned around and snapped off a few photos as the bird flew towards the west. Luckily, we were able to find the falcon again a few minutes later, this time perched on one of its favorite snags, along the north side of Mud Level Rd about a quarter mile west of the intersection with Duncan Rd - basically directly across the street from where the Snowy Owl was. From Mud Level Rd, all you had to do was look one direction and see a Snowy Owl and turn around and see a Prairie Falcon - a very odd situation, considering this is south central PA.

Snowy Owl - probable adult male along Mud Level Rd (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

Prairie Falcon - adult male along Mud Level Rd (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

After driving around a little longer and not being able to find any field birds besides Horned Larks, we drove back towards State College. Along 322, while we were driving right alongside the Juniata River, we spotted an immature Golden Eagle soaring in the distance. I managed to snap off three photos as we shot by at 60mph.

Golden Eagle - immature soaring along 322 (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

Once back in State College, we decided to stop by Tadpole Rd really quick to see what was around. The highlight was a lone male Lapland Longspur mixed in with a small flock of Horned Larks at the north end of the wetlands!

Lapland Longspur - male foraging with Horned Larks along Tadpole Rd (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

Lapland Longspur flying with Horned Larks (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

Townsend’s Warbler in PA! by Alex Lamoreaux - Nemesis Bird - birding and ornithology in Pennsylvania and beyond

In Pennsylvania, the birding is pretty slow this time of the year but raptors can help add some excitement. Winter Raptor Surveys are an excellent way to get out on a cold winter day and do some birding. Drew Weber, two of our friends, and I conducted our own Winter Raptor Survey in the strip-mined areas north of Snow Shoe, PA. Whenever Drew and I have visited this area in the spring, summer, and fall we have commented on how perfect the area looked for winter raptors, and today the birds didn't let us down.

Northern Shrike - juvenile (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

Last night, a solid six inches of snow fell on central PA, but we didn't let that deter us from continuing with the raptor survey. We slowly made our way out to Snow Shoe in my Nissan Xterra, and began the survey at 9:30am. Within minutes of starting, I spotted a juvenile Northern Shrike perched at the top of a tree along the side of the road. We couldn't believe it! We had hoped to find a shrike, but thought it would be a long shot.  As we were standing next to my car, watching the shrike, our first official raptor of the day flew right over our heads - an adult male Northern Harrier.

Northern Harrier - adult male (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

A few miles further along on our route we spotted a juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk perched in a tree, and two adult Red-tailed Hawks. We totally didn't expect to find any Red-shouldered Hawks along this route and so were even more surprised when we ended up finding two more! Nearby, we spotted a juvenile dark type Rough-legged Hawk and when we jumped out to get better looks, spotted an adult male light type Rough-legged Hawk and then, just around the corner spotted an adult female light type Rough-leg. The adult female flew right over the car, offering a great photo opportunity. Below are a few photos I took during the day of the various raptors we saw.

Red-shouldered Hawk - juvenile (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

Rough-legged Hawk - adult female light type (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

Rough-legged Hawk - juvenile dark type (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

Red-shouldered Hawk - adult (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

Rough-legged Hawk - adult male light type (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

Overall, the survey went great and we were able to find 9 raptors and the Northern Shrike in addition to about 20 other species of birds. Hopefully this new survey route can be repeated yearly, and we can get a better idea of what species are using the strip mines as wintering habitat. Here is a breakdown of our raptors:

Red-tailed Hawk - 2 adults

Red-shouldered Hawk - 2 adults, 1 juvenile

Rough-legged Hawk - 2 adults (both light), 1 juvenile (dark)

Northern Harrier - 1 adult male

Northern Shrike - 1 juvenile

Winter Raptor Survey – Snow Shoe, PA by Alex Lamoreaux - Nemesis Bird - birding and ornithology in Pennsylvania and beyond

The Harlequin Duck is simultaneously the most beautiful and one of the most odd-looking species of waterfowl in North America, so there is no wonder it is a species high on most birder's 'Most Wanted' lists. Well if you live on the east coast, one of the best places to see this wonderful little duck is at Barnegat Light in NJ. During the winter months, there can be anywhere from a handful to 20 or 30 of these clown-like ducks foraging right along the jetty at Barnegat, allowing you to watch them at incredibly close range. Being so close to these birds at Barnegat allows you to get an up-close look at their social interactions and also hear their squeaky calls, which has gotten them the nickname 'Sea Mouse'. The following is a collection of photos that I have taken of Harlequin Ducks at Barnegat, celebrating their unique and strangely charming appearance.

Harlequin Duck - male (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

Harlequin Duck - female (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

Harlequin Duck - male (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

Harlequin Duck - female (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

Harlequin Duck - males (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

Photo Study: Harlequin Ducks at Barnegat Light, NJ by Alex Lamoreaux - Nemesis Bird - birding and ornithology in Pennsylvania and beyond