Monthly Archives: September 2014

How Many of These Birds Can You ID?

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In honor of the NJMC’s new fall bird-banding season, we thought we’d throw the ultimate Tuesday Teaser at you — 29 photos of birds that Mike Newhouse and his crew banded last year.

Anybody care to take a shot at it?  Hint: First pic is of the banding station itself. Another hint — one may be impossible. :- )

Rainbow over the Hackensack River

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Muhammad Faizan writes:

I stopped by River Barge to look for birds after Friday’s rain. Not many birds around but a beautiful rainbow over the Hackensack River.

Thanks, Faizan!

 

Today’s Walk

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We had a totally awesome Back to Football walk at DeKorte Park today — featuring a walk on the new observation deck along the Transco Trail, a Merlin, George the Pelican, and dozens of yellowlegs and egrets, plus a Diamondback Terrapin or two.

Full list later in the week. (A memorable walk, thanks to all who attended!

Our Next Free Walk Is Sunday!

FinalEgretFootball_MedOur next free walk is Sunday (Sept. 7) at 10 a.m. in DeKorte Park, and it features a special football theme  — and nifty prizes.

We’ll walk around parts of the park, looking for George the Pelican, shorebirds, raptors and other birds, and we’re offering prizes to the first people who see  any bird species with the same name as a pro-football team: Cardinal, Raven, Falcon, Eagle, Seahawk (osprey), Giant (Great) Egret  and Giant (Great) Blue Heron. All seven team bird species can be seen in the park.

The walk is run by the N.J. Meadowlands Commission and the Bergen County Audubon Society. 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.

Bring water, and wear comfortable walking shoes. To rsvp, contact Don Torino of the BCAS at greatauk4@aol.com or 201-230-4983.

Fritillary and More at Jill’s Garden Today

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Great Spangled Fritillary on Common Milkweed.

Great variety of butterflies at Jill’s Garden this morning, including the slightly chewed Great Spangled Fritillary above.

George the Far-out Pelican, Close-up

IMG_7077Most folks who have seen George the Pelican during his two-month stay at DeKorte Park get a long-distance look through a spotting scope.

One day in July, though, George took a breather and headed to the Kearny Marsh, where Ron Shields happened to be waiting in his kayak, camera at the ready. (Thanks, Ron!)

And yes, George was seen this morning, far out on the Saw Mill Creek mudflats. That’s Day 62 of his stay.