Monthly Archives: September 2011

Today’s Harrier Meadow Walk & Banding Demo

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About 20 of us braved the light drizzle to see a bird-banding domonstration and take a delightful (if a tad buggy) walk in Harrier Meadow.

The Palm Warbler (above) was one of the banding highlights provided by Mike Newhouse, naturalist and field biologist for the N.J. Meadowlands Commission. We also had an American Kestrel and a Y.B. Chat.

On the walk itself, highlights included our friend the American Avocet, a Pied-billed Grebe, a Prairie Warbler and more. We'll print the full list tomorrow. (Thanks to Mike and all who participated in today's walk!)

Little Blue Heron, Disposal Road

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Ron Shields reports: "Here's a couple of shots of the (immature) Little Blue Heron seen hunting/feeding at a large freshwater puddle just to the north of the 'eternal gas burnoff flame' on Disposal Road. 

"The heron has a liking for the new water runoff diches as it was found there as well.  I think that might be a cricket in its beak.  I'm going to bet it surfaces again today."
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Peregrines at the Carillon

Copy of IMG_4138Ron Shields reports:

"Several evenings last week were extremely predictable for Peregrine Falcons at the beginning of the Saw Mill Creek Trail [by the Carillon on Disposal Road]. 

"I've spotted them hunting over the landfills, perched on pipes, preening on utility poles and resting high on the tall towers. 

"The pattern has been dictated by low tides in combination with plenty of shorebirds.  It all equals great Peregrine Falcon action!"

At least one of the falcons was banded but the numbers weren't readable from the way it perched.

(Thanks, Ron!)

DeKorte Bird Report 091711

Doug Tilley reports that on Saturday morning: "I found 4 Am. Kestrels hunting over the dump across from the gas torch along Disposal Rd., 1 immature Bald Eagle soaring north being harassed by another raptor (it flew off quickly and I did not get a good look), a Northern Harrier sailing over the brush tops and an Osprey hunting in the pond behind the center.. 

"I know seeing one Kestrel is, while not uncommon, not every day, but 4 in one spot is.  I scoped them for about 20 minutes to be sure and all 4 were in the air at once so I know I wasn't seeing the same one over again. 

"Just thought you might find this interesting.  Of course I left my camera home." (Thanks, Doug!)

Next Walk: Tuesday, Harrier Meadow & Bird-banding

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We have been getting great birds in Harrier Meadow the past few weeks.

See for yourself on Tuesday when Mike Newhouse of the Meadowlands Commission will present a bird-banding demonstration, followed by September's Third-Tuesday-of-the-Month walk.

As of Friday noon, the American Avocet was still there, next to a Caspian Tern (above). Also present — a Northern Harrier, several Am. Kestrels and a pair of Peregrines.

Full listing follows.

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