Winter is holding on to the shore like a tiger this week. We have been out almost every day looking for the sun and signs of spring. Today it is snowing. Not the kind of snow that comes in big flakes and turns the ground into a fairy land, but the kind of snow that is a bitter reminder that winter has a hold on our days. It is tiny snow flakes that blow in your face and melt when they hit the ground, leaving people in the wake chilled to the bone.
Yesterday we saw gannet flying along the shore. The beautiful white birds with black wing tips were flying in formation, but to us they appeared to be dancing in the sky. They would dip and rise and turn in unison almost like a choreographed ballet. We saw more than 20 birds but were unable to get a picture of their antics.
We did catch a loon in changing plumage at the Manasquan Inlet. The light was poor and the distance was great but he is still a beautiful sight. It is regrettable that just at the time they are becoming most colorful they leave our shore for places further north. In only a few days they will all be gone. 
Today we were looking for the gannet again when we went to Bradshaw's Beach. There we found a most unusual animal. Stranded on the beach far away from the reach of the angry waves was a baby harbor seal. He was not moving when we saw him and looked like he was injured on his head. Upon closer inspection he raised his head to look as us.
We reported his whereabouts to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center who have been watching him for a few days. They say he is doing fine and that the red on his head is not blood but the mark of a grease marker to identify him as one they are keeping an eye on. They further reported that he was probably beached or came ashore to rest and will hopefully return to the ocean when he is ready.
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