Daily Archives: June 18, 2010

DeKorte Father’s Day Walk Is On Sunday

    This Sunday at 10 a.m. is the special Father’s Day Bird Walk with NJMC and BCAS  — a free two-hour guided nature walk  to the birding hot spots at DeKorte, including the otherwise closed Marsh Discovery Trail.
   We’ll look for shorebirds, waterfowl, butterflies and other natural wonders.  We’ll meet in the visitors’ parking lot at DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst. The walk is run by the N.J. Meadowlands Commission and the Bergen County Audubon Society.
   Check meadowblog.net for last-minute updates and weather advisories. To rsvp, contact Don Torino of the BCAS at greatauk4@aol.com or 201-636-4022.

Drivers: Look Out for Terrapins and Other Turtles

  IMG_2634
    This is the time of year when Diamondback Terrapins will be crossing roads, looking for places to nest, so please be careful and look out for turtles when driving along roads near tidal wetlands.
   Above, a Diamondback Terrapin in North Arlington by the Erie Landfill on Thursday afternoon. Below, a seven-inch Snapping Turtle on Disposal Road near the "eternal flame" earlier this week (Snapping Turtle photo by Chris Takacs).

  Snapper_WEB

The Latest “Nature Next Door” column

  IMG_4511-1
   The NJMC's Jim Wright writes a regular nature column for The South Bergenite. His latest column is on the new butterfly guide.

  Butterflies are part of summer’s wonders, but most of us know so little about them. Besides the ever-popular orange-and-black monarch, how many species can you name or identify?
  The answer for most of us is probably “a few” at best.
   To help improve that situation – and to increase the public’s appreciation of these delicate winged marvels — the  New Jersey Meadowlands Commission has just published a new “Butterflies of DeKorte Park” guide.
   IMG_7153-1 The free pamphlet features color photos of 18 species of butterflies and two species of moths — all commonly seen in the Lyndhurst park and environs. Also featured are brief sections on butterfly basics, advice on watching butterflies, helpful Internet links and useful butterfly guidebooks for this region.
   What’s so special about butterflies?  As the pamphlet explains, “People associate these captivating insects with a beautiful summer’s day, and for good reason: Butterflies, flowers and sunshine just seem to go together.
   "If you see a butterfly, chances are you’re in a pretty good place – a spot that is sunny and warm, with blossoming flowers nearby. Small wonder that butterflies might just be the world’s most popular bugs.”

Continue reading