Monthly Archives: January 2012

Coming in February: Tom Yezerski Gallery Show

Meadowlands

Prize-winning author and artist Thomas F. Yezerski, whose stunning book “Meadowlands: A Wetlands Survival Story” was on several 2011 “Ten Best” lists, is exhibiting the illustrations from the book in the DeKorte Park’s  Flyway Gallery through the end of March.

On Sunday, Feb. 5, from noon-1:30 p.m., Tom will give a short talk and slide show on the book, and then be available to inscribe a copy for you, and you'll be able to see the original illustrations up-close.

This free family-friendly event is sponsored by the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission and Bergen County Audubon Society. The Meadowlands Environment Center is located in DeKorte Park, Lyndhurst.

Signed copies of the book are available at a special discounted price at the MEC’s Tideland Treasures Gift Shop. Contact the NJMC’s Jim Wright at 201-460-2002 or jim.wright@njmeadowlands.gov for more information.

Meadowlands Big Year Challenge: the Details

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Calling all birders!

The New Jersey Meadowlands Commission and the Bergen County Audubon Society are pleased to announce the 2012 Meadowlands Big Year competition.

The goal is to see as many different bird species as possible in the 14 towns of the Meadowlands District over the course of 2012 — and also to have fun birding.

The idea is to promote birding in the Meadowlands, and to give area birders a competition that does not require as much travel (and gasoline consumption) as, say, a New Jersey Big Year.

To make this as fair as possible, we will have two divisions: Meadowlands residents and non-Meadowlands residents.

More details follow.

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Coming Monday: Full Events Calendar for 2012

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We have compiled a boffo events calendar for all of 2012, so you can set aside some very important dates — such as Butterfly Day, Kevin Karlson Shorebird Day, Birding for Beginners classes, a special April Fool's Day (you'll be perfect for this!), and other must-see events. Not too mention our first-Sunday and third-Tuesday walks.

We're posting on Monday — including two big events for Sunday, Feb. 5 — so stay tuned…

 

Can You ID These Mystery Pods?

I UnKwn Spiked Cocoon 001b RchrdDKorte Park Mdwlnds NJ 011612 OK-1

Mickey and Elaine Raine write: "Just outside DeKorte Park, on the other

I UnKwn Spiked Cocoon 001c RchrdDKorte Park Mdwlnds NJ 011612 OK-1

side of the railroad tracks, we recently came across trees that had a number of strange cocoon-like pods suspended by these very thin, almost vine like, extensions that were wrapped several times around the branches before stretching out to hold the pods. 

"They were swaying back and forth with the heavy winds, but appeared to be quite secure. 

"Each cocoon/pod consisted of many spikes–perhaps as nature's plan for protecting these from possible predators.

"If anyone has ever seen similar and can assist in identifying them, we would appreciate it."

 

Disposal Road Raptor Action

Harman Kestrel

Bruce Harman reports: 

"Made a visit to Disposal Road late Monday afternoon and once again it was productive.  The kestrel feeling pity for the photographer made several passes providing an opportunity for me to get the shot before leaving the area. The Northern Harrier was also cooperative." 

Thanks, Bruce! Harriers were out again today along Disposal.

Harman Harrier

Teaser Answer

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Thanks to Edith Wallace for her ID of fungus in Ridgefield in yesterday's Teaser, and thanks again to Bruce Riede for providing the photo.

Edith says these are Earth Star mushrooms. More on Earth Star Mushrooms here.

Our Next Free Walk: Laurel Hill, Tomorrow (Tuesday)

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Just a reminder that our next free guided nature walk is tomorrow (Tuesday, Jan. 17), beginning at 10 a.m. at 70-acre Laurel Hill County Park in Secaucus. on Tuesday, Jan. 17, beginning at 10 a.m. 

The park is located right along the Hackensack River, with great water views, including the Saw Mill Creek Wildlife Management Area.

We'll look for Common Ravens, Great Cormorants, wintering waterfowl and assorted raptors.

A check of the park earlier this month found two ravens perched near the park's entrance, a Northern Harrier, two Redtails and an accipiter. A Great Blue Heron was hunkered down by the waterline across the river, Hooded Mergansers were close by.

Dress for the weather — it can be quite cold along the Hackensack River in mid-January. Don't worry, though — we won't be climbing any hills!

More on Laurel Hill here. (Fraternity Rock is pictured above.)

Full info follows.

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