Monthly Archives: January 2012

DeKorte Bird Report: Goldeneye

Chris Takacs reports:

"Female Common Goldeneye at DeKorte Park continues  this afternoon. Although not uncommon in some areas of the state, it's a tough bird in The Meadowlands, much easier to spot in the Hudson River area of Liberty  State Park.

"It was seen yesterday swimming and fishing by itself in the Teal  Pool. She followed the same behavior this morning. Seen again at 3:30 she was in  the company of 4-6  Buffleheads in the Saw Mill Impoundment. As low tide  arrived and mud flats appeared she followed Bufflehead to deeper water out near NJ Turnpike."   (Thanks, Chris!)

Link to Ron Shields' photos of last January's Goldeneye is here.

Tuesday Teaser 011012

Mickey Raine 001c1 Laurel Hill Park Mdwlnds NJ 122911 OK
In honor of our upcoming guided walk at Laurel Hill County Park in Secaucus, herewith a photo by Mickey Raine, taken at the park late last month. 

What is it?  Hint: It sounds like the name of a girl you knew in high schoool.

 

Disposal Road Update

 Ss1

Mike Girone reports:

"Still fairly limited raptor action in the area, but Saturday had its moments.

"At least 2 Red-tails (neither was the falconer bird), 2 Northern Harriers (adult female + juvenile), and a bathing adult Sharp-shinned Hawk on Valley Brook Ave. (above).

"The grand finale was at dusk in the vicinity of the Carillon: adult female Peregrine Falcon who made 2 very low passes over Disposal Rd. and the landfill before heading west to roost. As best I could see, she wasn't banded." 

(Thanks, Mike!)

 

Banded Harbor Heron: A Wider View

Egret, great turkey point jan 1 2012 dpf 002Don Freiday passed along a full-view image of the banded "Harbor Heron" that was seen in Cumberland County during a recent Christmas Bird Count.

We had posted a photo of just the band last week, and thought a shot of the full bird would be neat.

The Great Egret was banded on South Brother Island in the east River in June  — roughly 120 miles north-northwest as the Great Egret flies. 

Earlier post, with info on NYC Audubon/NJ Audubon Harbor Heron Project, plus other links, is here.

(Thanks, Don!)

What To Expect This Month

IMG_0120-2
When looking ahead, sometimes it's a good idea to look back.

Here are some nature highlights from last January:

January 11: Long-tailed Duck at Laurel Hill

January 19: New, Improved DeKorte Duck Map

January 21: Snowshoeing at DeKorte

January 23: Great Winter Walk: Rough-leg, Plus

January 25: Bald Eagle on Ice at DeKorte

Link to January 2010 highlights (including shrike and Goldeneye) is here.

Link to January 2009 highlights (including Snowy Owl and Peregrine) is here.

Our Next Walk: Laurel Hill, Tuesday, Jan. 17

P1070001
Our next free guided nature walk is at 70-acre Laurel Hill County Park in Secaucus on Tuesday, Jan. 17, beginning at 10 a.m. 

We'll be looking for Common Ravens, Great IMG_9733Cormorants, wintering waterfowl and assorted raptors.

A check of the park on Wednesday found two ravens, a Northern Harrier, two Redtails and an accipiter (right). 

Great Blue Heron was hunkered down by the waterline across the river, Hooded Mergansers were close by.

Dress for the weather — it can be quite cold along the Hackensack River in mid-January. Don't worry, though — we won't be climbing any hills!

More on Laurel Hill here. (Fraternity Rock is pictured above.)

Full info follows.

Continue reading →