The Shrike was seen at least twice today in the early afternoon along Disposal Road by Fred Pfeifer. (Thank you, Fred!)
The bird was first seen on Dec. 12, which means he has been in the area for seven weeks now.
If you are looking for shrike this weekend, you might look along Disposal Road between the NJMC Maintenance Garage and the Carillon/Retention Pond Area, as well as in the Lyndhurst Nature Reserve area. It has been frequenting the locales.
The shrike likes to perch high in trees — when it is visible. He posed for the photo above today, albeit at a bit of a distance.
If you do see it, please e-mail Jim Wright here and he will update the blog first chance.
Be aware that Disposal Road can get some major vehicular traffic, including oblivious drivers who are so busy dodging speed bumps and potholes that they may not to see birders or photographers in the road. Please be careful.
Also be aware that no one should go onto any landfill in search of the shrike or to get better looks at the shrike.
If you see anyone — from birders to dog-walkers — trespassing on the Kingsland Landfill (along Disposal Road on the other side of the road from DeKorte Park and the Carillon), don't hesitate to call 201-896-8100 –that's the number for the company that is remediating the former landfill. They will send out security guards.
Similarly, call that number if you hear off-road vehicles on the landfill.
Former landfills in the Meadowlands are off-limits to the public, for all sorts of important reasons, from public safety to on-going remediation work. Thanks.
I saw the shrike Fri 1-29-10 about 4PM. It was perched over the culvert full of empty bottles near the recycling bldg.Another birder and I had only back views at that time.I parked along the road protected by the dividers and watched it chased some starlings twds the houses near the exit and perched in the top of the screen of cedars behind those houses. It then flew into the trees in the empty lot and back twds the landfill. I have a couple photos so I’m sure it was the shrike.
It then went into the plants in the vacant lot and returning twds the rubbish. I have a several images so I’m sure it was the shrike.