Sure, you can identify most of the species of birds you see in the Meadowlands — but what about the April Fool's Day Bird Walk Challenge collection?
We asked participants on Sunday's walk to ID up to seven species of bogus birds placed along the Marsh Discovery Trail. Any "heard only" species were disallowed.
Answers tomorrow…
Five more mystery pix follow, some tough, some goofy.
Due to circumstances beyond the NJMC's control, please be advised that the entire Transco Trail (from Disposal Road to the Western Spur of the Turnpike) will be closed through June.
Please keep off the trail!!!
Proceed with caution when entering and leaving the Lyndhurst Nature Reserve and when entering the southern end of DeKorte Park. In addition, during this time, you can only enter and exit the Marsh Discovery Trail from the main entrance (by the guard booth). There will only be one way in and out, you will not be able to complete the loop. The trail will be locked/closed where it meets Transco Trail.
Trucks and equipment will be entering and exiting these areas frequently.
We appreciate your patience and understanding. E-mail jim.wright (at) njmeadowlands.gov if you have questions.
The William D. McDowell Observatory 
in DeKorte Park begins a new month of programming tonight (Monday, April 2).
Free public access is from 8 to 10 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday nights this month — weather permitting, of course.
Dress for the weather; with the dome open, you are basically outside.
Each evening at least two major objects in the night sky will be viewed, plus one or two other celestial objects or events depending on the observing conditions.
For more information about free public viewing nights and to check out the observatory's website, click here.
For a South Bergenite column by the NJMC's Jim Wright about the observatory, click here.
Yesterday's walk was notable for its long list of notable birds — including Long-tailed Duck, American Widgeon, Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, Gray Ghost, Bald Eagle, Pied-billed Grebe, White-crowned Sparrow (above) and a pair of Ospreys.
Thanks to Roy Woodford for the White-crown photo!
Full list of 43 — count 'em, 43 — species follows.
It's April, and we are asking for Meadowlands Big Year participants to e-mail us their totals so far (if they have not done so already).
At last count, seven birders have announced they are competing in this friendly competition to promote birding in the Meadowlands.
As a side contest, they are competing against the NJMC's Mike Newhouse as well.
There's still nine months left, so feel free to jump in and join the fun. It costs nothing to participate, and we are offering some nifty prizes.
If you are competing off the radar, please e-mail Jim Wright at jim.wright (at) njmeadowlands.gov so we know you are out there.
Much appreciated, and good luck to all. Thanks to those who have updated their numbers already!
Competition details are here.
We had great birds and a great turnout for our first-ever April Fool's Day Walk at DeKorte Park.
Highlights included (No joke!) a Long-tailed Duck and an American Widgeon, and at least 10 more species of duck. Plus Pied-billed Grebe, Bald Eagle, Gray Ghost … You get the idea.
We also had an awesome April Fool's walk challenge — find and identify as many as seven species of bogus birds along the Marsh Discovery Trail during the walk.
We had a three-way tie for winner for an NJMC pontoon-boat cruise for two, so we picked the winner among the three out of a hat – Lee Magadini of Hoboken.
We will post a full list of birds seen on the walk on Monday, and our Tuesday Teaser will be the six bogus birds on the Marsh Discovery Trail. Did we say up to seven species? Well, it was April Fool's Day…
The walk was sponsored by the Meadowlands Commission and Bergen County Audubon Society. Thanks to all who participated!