Dennis Cheeseman photographed this Laughing Gull in DeKorte Park yesterday at lunchtime. It was also seen in Teal Pool on our Sunday guided walk. (Thanks, Dennis!)

We had a great turnout for Sunday’s Butterflies for Beginners, including a few folks who really know their butterflies.

Although we did not spot the Great Spangled Fritillary or Eastern Tiger Swallowtail seen that morning (drat!), we did get great looks at a fresh Black Swallowtail (above), a couple of Red Admirals (one is on the right), a few Silver-spotted Skippers, a couple of Broad-winged Skippers, a Summer Azure and a Snowberry Clear-winged Moth that did not hang around to have its picture taken.

The event was sponsored by the Meadowlands Commission and the Bergen County Audubon Society. (Thanks to all who participated!)

We took this pic last week in Harrier. How many birds are in the pic, and what are they?

No one said it would be easy. High-res version follows. Continue reading →

Folks typically think of Jill’s Garden as the main place to see buitterflies at DeKorte, but there are lots of wildflower gardens, a sensory garden and a native plant garden to attract butterflies and birds out by the Carillon of Disposal Road  — all spots are worth a look. (Thanks to Regina Geoghan for the photo!)

The American White Pelican is being seen this morning from the Transco Trail as you head toward the turnpike. It is with a Mute Swan and several DC Cormorants in the Sawmill Creek tidal impoundment (soon to be mudflats, tide-wise)  along the Bergen/Hudson border. (Thanks, Rob and Frank!). The tide is going out, so it might be hanging around a bit this morning

Marianne Ofenloch took the above photo yesterday. A link to other photos taken yesterday by Marianne is here. These photos give you a good idea of what you’re looking for. Thanks, Marianne!)