We saw the American Avocet at 4:45 p.m. today (Wednesday), chilling with Mallards at the north end of the Shorebird Pool, way in the back. Almost missed it, but the 12x binoculars helped. The above shot is with a 400mm lens, enlarged to a fare-thee-well.

Also had Belted Kingfisher, a few Ospreys and (by the side of the Environment Center) two clear-winged moths on the butterfly bush.

 

There’s still time to experience the Hackensack River and its marshes up close on a New Jersey Meadowlands Commission pontoon boat cruise or canoe tour.

The leisurely journeys run through September and offer participants a chance to enjoy the flora and fauna of the Meadowlands as experienced NJMC guides discuss the region’s human and environmental history and point out the birds and other wildlife that inhabit the area along the way.

Pontoon boat cruises last about two hours. Suggested donation is $15 per person. Canoe tours last approximately three hours; cost is $15.Registration is required for all tours; call 201-460-4640 to register.

Remaining Pontoon Boat Schedule
(All trips depart from River Barge Park off Outwater Lane in Carlstadt)

Sept. 8, 9, 13, 22 and 23 departing at 5 p.m.

Remaining Canoe Tour Schedule

Tour of Saw Mill Creek Wildlife Area, Lyndhurst.

Saturday, Sept. 18. 8:30 a.m. Departs from Laurel Hill County Park, Secaucus.

When Photographer Marco Lips sent us these two Osprey images from last weekend, we realized that his uniquely Meadowlands photography exhibit was almost at its end — a very fast two months. As we share these two photos, we'd like to remind everyone that the free gallery show closes on Friday. Link to the original post on the exhibition is here. Link to Marco's website is here.

September's exhibition begins next week. More on that soon.