Did a quick walk out the Transco Trail toward the turnpike today and was treated to a nice little duck show.

Saw several male Pintails, many Bufflehead, several No-shows (Northern Shovelers), a large raft of Canvasbacks, two Hoodies (above),  plus Mallards, Black Ducks, Gadwall, and an occasional Green-winged Teal.

That’s nine species right there.

No reason why they shouldn’t be around this weekend.

We are kicking off 2014 with a free guided walk at one of our favorite spots — Mill Creek Marsh in Secaucus.

The two-hour walk, which begins at 10 a.m., is sponsored by the Meadowlands Commission and the Bergen County Audubon Society.

Details follow.

Wednesday, Jan. 1, 10 a.m.
New Year’s Day Nature Walk with the NJMC and BCAS
What better way to ring in 2014 than with a brisk nature walk? This free two-hour guided walk of Mill Creek Marsh in Secaucus begins at 10 a.m. We’ll look for wintering waterfowl – including the Eurasian Green-winged Teal –and other birds of interest. Check meadowblog.net for last-minute weather updates. You will have to sign a standard liability release that is good for NJMC/BCAS events throughout the year. To rsvp, contact Don Torino of the BCAS at greatauk4@aol.com or 201-230-4983. Free.

We thought we’d look back at some of blog highlights from 2013, and showcase some of the great photography that folks have contributed.

Here’s September. (Thanks to all!) Just click on the text to link to the post.

September 3: Tagged Egret in Harrier Meadow

September 6: S. Bergenite Story on Meadowlands’ Comeback

Sepember 11: WTC Cove in DeKorte Park Rededicated

September 12: Sept. 11 Twin Beams of Light from DeKorte Park

September 12: Orange-crowned and Bobolink at Mill Creek

September 16: Meadowlands Lightning and More  (Michael Maddaloni photo above)

September 26: Cool New eBird Feature for Meadowlands

September 27: Mike Girone Disposal Road Raptor Report