We did a quick loop at lunch along the Transco Trail and Marsh Discovery Trail.
Overcast skies, very little flying, but had 10 species of ducks without really trying. Thought we'd post the list in case you are visiting DeKorte this weekend. Have had one reported Osprey sighting — expect more this weekend.
Full list follows.
Tuesday is the first day of spring, and we thought we'd mark the occasion with a walk around DeKorte Park to what new arrivals we can find — from Tree Swallows and Killdeer to Great Egrets and Ospreys. The walk begins at 10 a.m.Did we mention that DeKorte is beautiful this time of year?
Full listing below.
Our latest "Focus on the Meadowlands" post on wildnewjersey.tv features:
* Monk Parakeets
* Birdseye Speedwell
*A most unusual nesting-box bird's nest at DeKorte Park.
The link is here.
The Record had an interesting column by some guy on American Woodcocks today — just in time for this evening's free walk at Laurel Hill.
Link is here.
Don Torino, the president of the Bergen County Audubon Society, stopped by Meadowlands Commission headquarters this week to drop off a check for $200 to the commission for a new native plant garden at the Carillon on Disposal Road this summer.
The Accepting the check in the photo above is Marcia Karrow, NJMC’s executive director.
Half the donation was from Bergen Audubon, with a matching grant from National Audubon. (Thanks!)
The native plant garden is being designed to attract birds as well as butterflies. Can’t wait!
Chris Takacs reported a Boat-tailed Grackle at Gunnell Oval in Kearny at lunchtime today — near the marsh, just to the north of where boats put in.
Also seen at the oval or in Kearny Marsh: Adult Bald Eagle 300+ Ruddy Ducks.
(Thanks, Chris!)
The New York Times has an article today about a new frog species found in the New York metropolitan, including, reportedly, the Meadowlands.
Writes The Times:
"On a foray into the wilds of Staten Island in 2009, Jeremy A. Feinberg, a doctoral candidate in ecology and evolution at Rutgers University, heard something strange as he listened for the distinctive mating call of the Southern Leopard Frog — usually a repetitive chuckle. But this was a single cluck.
“ 'I started hearing these calls, and I realized they were really distinct,' Mr. Feinberg said.
"Three years later, Mr. Feinberg and four other scientists who joined him in multiple field and laboratory studies, are finally comfortable making their declaration: a new species of leopard frog — as yet unnamed — has been identified in New York City and a number of surrounding counties."
Link to the story is here.
Link to an abstract of the study is here.
Ron Shields reports:
“What a great day on Sunday at Disposal Road! We had all sorts of action throughout the entire day. The highlight for me was the appearance of a low-flying immature bald eagle over the landfill escorted by two red-tailed hawks and two harriers. The size of the eagle dwarfed the other birds.
“The eagle circled in flight for about five minutes before leaving. About
a half hour later, the same bird returned and repeated his performance only to be confronted and scolded by an adult eagle over the retention pond. Both birds frolicked in mid-air for awhile before heading north. There seemed to be an obvious connection between them.
“In addition, the day included many close views of northern harriers including several passes by a Gray Ghost. Red-tails frequently ‘kited’ on the southerly winds.”
Ron also photographed a Common Raven, below.
Another pic of the young Bald Eagle and the adult Bald Eagle are on the jump.
This is a Praying Mantis egg casing, seen recently at Skeetkill Creek Marsh. They have been seen district-wide. Thanks to all who answered correctly. (Thanks to Bruce Riede for the photo!)