Monthly Archives: June 2011

Black Skimmers, Mill Creek Marsh

B Black Skimmer 005a1 MCM Mdwlnds NJ at Twilite 061111 OK-1Mickey Raine reports:

"Elaine and I had gone over to Mill Creek Marsh late Saturday, and just as we were leaving, out of nowhere, a Black Skimmer came gliding by with such silent grace and speed. 

"I really had no time to make any adjustments on the camera setting other than using a night flash to capture some color as it flew by and soared far to the other side, where it surveyed the surface a few times as it met up with two others before flying off.

"The light was very limited [just after sunset], and it happened so quickly, but in any event, it is on record."

Thanks, Mickey!

More from Last Sunday’s Walk

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We saw a lot more bugs than butterflies on Sunday's Butterfly Walk, though we did see a few Silver-spotted Skippers (above), an Orange Sulphur, a couple of Summer Azures and a (fleeting) Eastern Tiger Swallowtail amid the zillion Cabbage Whites.

We have to say that the bugs — like the Milkweed Bug, Lady Bug, and Lady Bug Larva and assorted bees and spiders– stole the show. 

Bruce Harman has shared a couple of photos below.

Our bug whiz, Hadel, also took plenty of great shots of all sorts of insects, which can be viewed here.  (Thanks, Bruce and Hadel!)Bee-001 Lady-bug-001

New Sensory Garden at DeKorte

P1100394 If you've been wondering what the new garden is by the entrance to the marsh Discovery Trail, wonder no more.

It is our new Sensory Garden.

Here are the details, courtesy of Lisa Cameron of the NJMC's Parks Department:

This most recent feature at DeKorte Park is specifically designed to appeal to the senses.

It is also intended to bring a diversity of plants within reach of visitors with limited mobility.

 You may think of gardens primary as things to look at, but they can also be smelled, touched, tasted and even heard.  There are more than fifty varieties of plants in this small area, all selected for their sensory appeal. More will be added. Name tags – some in Braille – will be added as well.

More text follows.

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Two Nifty Free Walks — Thanks to All

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The Meadowlands Commission and Bergen County Audubon Society had two great walks at DeKorte Park today — including an illuminating nature walk led by the peerless Edith Wallace (left, pointing). 

We saw all sorts of neat plants, trees, bugs and birds.  More later in the week, including a few pix of the butterflies and other insects we saw.

Thanks to Edith and the dozens of people who attended either or both of the walks!