Jana Brusich reports: "The Carlstadt Nest is very active. Saw this Osprey early last week nest building."

(Thanks, Jana!) 

We had an enjoyable Sunday guided walk, with a Black Skimmer on the highlight reel for maybe half of the participants.

We also had great views of an energetic Marsh Wren, one of the 37 species seen on the walk.

The walk was sponsored by the N.J. Meadowlands Commission and Bergen Audubon.

Thanks to all who participated, including the two young birders who helped us hone our observation skills, and the other young birder who liked to splash in the puddles and who reminded some of us how much fun it is to be a kid.

Full list and pic of exuberant Marsh Wren follow.  (Also thanks to Julie McCall and Denise Farrell for the list!)

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Rick Radis reports:

"We spent an enjoyable 2 hours this morning watching 3 Peregrine Falcons–2 adults and a juvenile–diving on and generally harassing the family group of 5 ravens at Laurel Hill, near the baseball field.

"Also around were Least, Common, and Forster's Terns, Osprey, and an adult Yellow-crowned Night Heron."

(Thanks, Rick!)

As a sneak preview of July 2011 of sorts, we thought we would post some highlights from the blog from 2010:

July 2: Butterflies and Clear-winged Moth

July 2: Black Skimmer Show

July 7: Great Bird-bath Shots at the Butterfly Garden

July 15: Nesting Cliff Swallows at DeKorte

July 26: Butterfly Day: The Full List

July 26: Glossy Ibis, Kearny Marsh

July 29: DeKorte, 3 Least Bitterns

Nature photography by Herb Houghton continues through the end of July at the Flyway Gallery in the Meadowlands Environment Center in DeKorte Park. 

There's a reception for the photographer this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can meet Herb and find out how he gets those incredible shots.

There's also a free nature walk at 10 a.m. on Sunday at DeKorte Park. Hope to see you there!

Ron Shields photographed this doubled-banded American Goldfinch out by the Carillon on Disposal Road recently.

He earlier had a single-banded Goldfinch in the same locale. That post is here.

(Thanks, Ron!)

Blue Grosbeaks have not been seen much in the Meadowlands for years.

We saw something bright blue  while on another assignment yesterday and took a few photos before moving on.

When we downloaded the pix, we realized it was a Blue Grosbeak.

More on Blue Grosbeaks here.