Long-tailed Duck
Barnegat Light, New Jersey
This aptly-named duck is a fairly common visitor to saltwater and brackish habitats in our area. Barnegat Light is a celebrated spot for winter birding: sea ducks, loons, the occasional alcid, rockpipers, and sometimes a Snow Bunting, Longspur or Ipswich Sparrow. The Longtails tend to be restless and noisy, and their comically cracking voices mix well with the grumble of waves on the rocks.