One of the stars of our recent pontoon boat cruises on the Hackensack River is this young Red-tailed Hawk, who is just about ready to fly.

Three weeks ago it was pretty much a fluff ball. The photo on the left was taken last week.

We are also seeing lots of Osprey nests and all sorts of neat birds, including Black Skimmers.

Pontoon boat rides depart from River Barge Park, 260 Outwater Lane, Carlstadt. Weekday trips are at 10 a.m., 5 p.m., or 5:30 p.m.

For a complete schedule of trips and to register online, visit http://www.njmeadowlands.gov/environment/tours.html. Registration forms are also available at the NJMC offices and Meadowlands Environment Center, both in DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst.