S​eal And Winter Waterfowl Walks Return to Sandy Hook!

Our pinniped friends have returned to Sandy Hook, and winter waterfowl are once again filling the bay and ocean with color and activity.

From January through March, the Littoral Society invites you to join us for our Seal & Winter Waterfowl Walks—one of the best ways to experience the magic of winter wildlife on Sandy Hook. In addition to seals, the bayside tidal pools and protected coves create ideal resting spots for birds migrating along the Atlantic Flyway.

Last winter brought several unforgettable sightings. A standout moment was a Dovekie bobbing in the ocean waves—a tiny seabird and a rare visitor to New Jersey. We also enjoyed watching familiar winter favorites: mergansers (always prompting an enthusiastic “MERG!”), buffleheads, pintails, and many others showing off their striking plumage.

Winter waterfowl offer an excellent introduction to birding because they’re often out in the open and easy to observe.

Our seal visitors add even more excitement. Harbor seals regularly haul out on bayside jetties, and we’ll set up our scope so you can get a closer look at them resting, warming up, and digesting their meals. If luck is on our side, we may even spot a Grey Seal—larger, bulkier, and unmistakable once you see one.

So, bundle up — scarves encouraged — and come discover the incredible diversity of winter wildlife that returns to Sandy Hook each season. We hope to see you out on the Hook!

Find more information about these walks and other upcoming activities through our Upcoming Events calendar: https://www.littoralsociety.org/upcoming-events.html

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