Monthly Archives: March 2011

Parrot Census

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The Meadowlands Commission recently participated in the first World Parrot Count, an informal count done by a group called cityparrots.org. We reported the 30 Monk Parakeets in Ridgefield.

In all, 1,931 Monk Parakeets — Myiopsitta monachus — have been counted so far.

The count has received results of at least 38 parrot species from 23 countries so far.

Full results, and a note from the organizers, follow.

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Marsh Discovery Trail Open + Duck Report

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The Marsh Discovery Trail is open again, most of the way. We'll see how it is affected by the expected heavy rains, but an open trail sure is a sign of spring. (Repairs are planned for the remaining storm-damaged section.)

Plenty of Ducks at DeKorte. A quick lunchtime check yesterday found Bufflehead, Gadwall, Green-winged Teal (in Teal Pool), Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Ruddy, Hooded Merganser, Canvasback, Common Merganser, Black Duck and Mallard. That's 11 species.

Tuesday Teaser Answer

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A beneficial bug larva, Rhinoncomimus latipe, is chewing the heck out of a Mile-a-Minute Weed at the Phillip Alampi Beneficial Insect Rearing Laboratory in West Trenton.

It's great news for the natural areas of the Meadowlands and statewide because the invasive Mile-a-Minute has been running wild all over the northern part of the state, with Bergen County considered the epicenter of the invasion.

Thanks to the folks at the Beneficial Bug Lab in West Trenton, this pest should be totally under control statewide in the next few years.

A link to the lab is here. More about Mile-a-Minute and Rhinoncomimus latipe here.

 

Woodcock Report

We checked out Valley Brook Avenue Monday evening around dusk for American Woodcock, and finally heard some activity around 6:15 (very distinctive calls). We saw two birds in flight as well, but it was fairly dark by then.

If you plan on checking out this annual courtship ritual, it's best to park at DeKorte Park and walk along Valley Brook — but be sure to  walk facing traffic and to wear reflective clothing. A flashlight is a good idea as well.

We are hoping to look for Am. Woodcock at Laurel Hill County Park tonight, starting around 6, if you care to join us for an informal, unofficial walk. Can't guarantee we'll be there but will try. Directions to Laurel Hill are on the left-hand side of the blog.

Secaucus Middle Schoolers Build 50 Tree Swallow Boxes

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We stopped by the Secaucus Middle School Cafeteria on Saturday to see NJMC naturalist Gabrielle-Bennett IMG_6293-1Meany (right) help students from the school's Environmental Club build and paint Tree Swallow Nesting Boxes for the upcoming season.

Over a two-hour work session, 40 students built 50 Tree Swallow boxes for the Meadowlands Commission. The nest boxes will be placed in the nearby Secaucus High School Marsh and Mill Creek Marsh next month.

Environmental Club Advisor Ron Mroz put togther the event. The Secaucus Home Depot provided the materials and other assistance.

A big thank you to all from the Tree Swallows in Secaucus.

Don Torino ‘s Column on Sparrows

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Don Torino of the Bergen County Audubon Society, who helps lead the Meadowlands Commission's free twice monthly walks, posted his latest column on wildnewjersey.tv. It's about why sparrows are so interesting. No, really.

Among his favorite places for sparrows — DeKorte Park and Mill Creek Marsh.

Link is here. Fox Sparrow at DeKorte, photographed yesterday, is above.