Edward the Egret

Help Raise Money for Avian Research!

The Meadowlands Marsh Hawks are back to defend their 2016 World Series of Birding title for top Limited Geographic Area competitor! This coming weekend marks the seventh consecutive year that a team representing the Meadowlands will take part in the national competition that supports avian research.

For the last two years the Marsh Hawks have been helping to raise money for the Citizen Science team of New Jersey Audubon and their efforts to research and track Great Egrets. Specifically, Edward the Egret, an urban bird who breeds in the New York-New Jersey harbor and also likes to head down to Hilton Head, S.C., for parts of the winter, and has some favorite towns he makes sure to visit.

The Meadowlands Marsh Hawks’ goal is to help raise funds to keep this project running strong and follow Edward for another year. And they need your help. There’s still time to donate to the Marsh Hawks. For more information on supporting the team and the World Series of Birding, visit the Meadowlands Marsh Hawks website and the World Series of Birding page by clicking here and here

The Meadowlands Marsh Hawks consist of Mike Newhouse, Chris Takacs, Mike Wolfe, and Zachary Batren, four top-notch birders.

The World Series of Birding is the country’s largest and most prestigious birding competition and provides participants and sponsors with a fun and interactive way to raise money for critically needed conservation priorities.

During the World Series of Birding teams compete to see who can spot the most bird species during a 24-hour period. This year’s World Series goes from midnight May 6 to midnight May 7.

Edward the Egret

Edward the Egret

A hearty thank you from the NJSEA to Spectrum for Living and members of their Adult Training Centers who donated more than 20 Tree Swallow boxes, including a half-dozen beautifully decorated nest boxes, to the Authority! Boxes above, left to right, come from Westwood ATC, Edison ATC, Carver ATC (Westwood), North Haledon Adult Training Center, Teaneck ATC and Ringwood ATC. Ringwood took first place in the decorated swallow box contest.

Thanks to all who participated and helped the Tree Swallows, migratory birds who come to the Meadowlands by the hundreds each spring.The boxes are being put to good use!

Building Tree Swallow boxes is a great project for Scouts, civic groups and other organizations. If your group is interested in building boxes and donating them to the NJSEA, please contact Gabrielle Bennett-Meany at Gabrielle.Bennett-Meany@njmeadowlands.gov or 201-460-4640.

Participants from Spectrum for Living Adult Training Centers (ATC) who participated in a Tree Swallow box contest.

Winning Swallow Box from Ringwood ATC!

Steve Valhalla of Spectrum for Living and the NJSEA’s Gabrielle Bennett-Meany place a Tree Swallow box in the marsh.