Merlin did not have a match for this, as New Jersey is not supposed to be in it’s range. It is an American Avocet and appears to be a non breeding adult or an immature.
It’s normal non breeding areas include the Virginia coast and south. This one was with another avocet with slightly different colouring. Its breeding areas appear to be in the mountain area of the central US.
This is one more bird that is outside their normal area. Have a great Tuesday!
Sharon's Iconic Travel Photography Blog 
What a wonderful and insightful observation! 🌿🕊️ Spotting an American Avocet outside its usual range is truly special—it speaks to both your keen eye for detail and your deep appreciation for nature’s surprises. The way you’ve noted the differences in plumage, breeding vs. non-breeding ranges, and even the company of another avocet makes this such a valuable record for any bird enthusiast.
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Lovely!
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Well spotted. Where, more specifically, was this taken?
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Join the Birds of South Jersey Facebook page. Locations are given there.That’s as specific as I will get.
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By coincidence, we have one here in Massachusetts this year as well. They seem to be appearing more often as vagrants in the northeast. Maybe scouts, not vagrants??
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Other birds like the black bellied whistling ducks are showing up. If we are lucky they are scouts and not off track travelers. I feel like we are lacking a variety of ducks. I say bring more with you next year.
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Nice find Sharon. They pass through this part of the Midwest although I have not seen any this year at all couple of local haunts.
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We are seeing a few birds that are not supposed to be here in NY and NJ. Perhaps these are some of your missing ones?😀
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