Jim Wright, who keeps this blog for the N.J. Meadowlands Commission, also writes a twice-monthly nature column for the South Bergenite. Here’s his latest.

This time of year is an ideal time to look ahead — with an eye to the past.

In January of last year, the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission (NJMC), literally faced a rebuilding year. As 2013 began, the Meadowlands District’s parks and natural areas were still in tough shape from the devastation of Superstorm Sandy.

Over the course of several months, with a big assist from volunteers, the commission repaired and reopened its parks and most of its trails. Continue reading →

Rob Fanning reports:

Finally saw my first ever Short-eared Owls for the Meadowlands this morning. I briefly had a bird flying toward a perched Rough-leg this AM on Disposal Road around 7:30ish.

Later it or another was being chased/harrassed by a mob of crows. 2 Light-phase Roughies today, and 2 Harriers incl a Gray Ghost which also interacted w/ the perched Roughie.

(Thanks, Rob!)

Photo by Dennis Cheeseman

Dennis Cheeseman photographed this Rough-legged Hawk on Disposal Road yesterday at noon.

Stay tuned for another Short-eared Owl post shortly.  (Thanks, Dennis!)

On Friday at 2 p.m. on this blog, the N.J. Meadowlands Commission will post the final results of the 2013 Meadowlands Big Year Competition.

Thirteen birders competed in a contest that was close all year long — congratulations to all!

We guarantee there’ll be a surprise or two, so  stay tuned.

Our next free walk is Tuesday, Jan. 21, at 10 a.m. at Laurel Hill County Park in Secaucus.  Last year’s January Laurel Hill walk produced Horned Larks, roughly 30 roosting Black-crowned Night Herons and a dogfight between a Peregrine and a Red-tail.

Here’s a link to the full list.

Details follow. Continue reading →