The Meadowlands Commission and the Bergen County Audubon Society are pleased to announce the first-ever (that we know of) open-to-the-public event for birding and photography atop of the former Kingsland Landfill adjacent to Disposal Road.

The event is from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 24, with a rain date of Thursday, Oct. 25, same hours. 

The landfill, remediated last year, is a prime-time spot for raptors. We counted 12 American Kestrels perched atop or along Kingsland last Friday, and Peregrines and Merlins and Northern Harriers are seen frequently. We are talking about terrific, prolonged views at times. (Plus umpteen Pine Siskins the past week or so.)

A couple of recent posts by photographers will give you an idea of what's being seen from down below on the legendary Disposal Road. 

Links are here and here.

Note: There's no guarantee the raptors will be flying that day but it's worth a shot.  And could also be cold and windy, so be forewarned.)

More information (including how to register) follows.

Continue reading →

Later today, on this blog, the Meadowlands Commission and the Bergen County Audubon Society plan to announce a nifty a first-ever weekday event that may prove appealing to birders and nature photographers.

Due to the location and logistics of the event, we are limiting it to the first dozen people who e-mail us after the announcement is posted.

The event will be from 3:30 to 5 p.m. next Wednesday not far from DeKorte Park. Raindate will be Thursday from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

So pay attention to the blog or sign up for our RSS feed right away if you think you might be interested!

We had a great walk at Losen Slote Park in Little Ferry on Tuesday morning.

Lots of cool birds (45 species) and plenty of friendly folks, including many youngsters, all on a perfect fall day.

Bird highlights included three thrushes (Am. Robin, Swainson's and Hermit), Bald Eagle, Blue-headed Vireo, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Eastern Towhee and Purple Finch.

The full list follows — thanks to Denise Farrell!

Continue reading →

Disposal Road continues to be a great place to get great, prolonged looks at raptors. Consider:

Mike Girone reports that one day last week …

"Arrived just after 3:30 p.m., and immediately spotted a juvenile Cooper's Hawk hunting over Harrier Meadow.

"Walked to the Carillon and saw an American Kestrel hunting from a wire next to the retention pond.

"Then spotted an incoming young (1st year?) Bald Eagle (above), that passed quite low over the Carillon, heading south"

More pix and the rest of Mike's report follow.

Continue reading →