Four Harbors Members Enjoyed a Frigid Field Trip to Montauk Point

Cold, windy conditions made for an uncomfortable sea watch on our January, Montauk field trip. Seabird numbers were low, but we were still able to locate the usual expected waterfowl: Common Eider, Northern Gannet, the three scoter species (White-winged, Black, and Surf), Long-tailed Duck, Red-breasted Merganser, and we suspected, with scope views, some distant Black-legged Kittiwakes.

Trip leader, John Turner, made good use of the time during our stay, sharing with the group some interesting winter waterfowl facts, and even in mid—sentence spotting an Iceland Gull.

Afterwards, we made our way to the Lazy Point home of Carl Safina and Patricia Paladines for some much-needed warmth, homemade hot cocoa, snacks, great conversation, and then a generous surprise from Carl, as he gifted us with personally signed copies of his books.

It was an all-around great day at Montauk Point!

First two photos are at Carl and Patricia’s Lazy Point home, photos Patrice Domeischel .

Last two photos are by Patricia Paladines.