Monthly Archives: September 2015

Rutherford Tuskegee Airman Dies

spann

 

We were saddned to learn that Rutherford native Calvin Spann, one of the Tuskegee Airmen, the trailblazing group of African-American military pilots during World War II, died Sunday at his home in Texas. Spann was the subject of a Meadowblog post in 2009. He told us that growing up in Rutherford inspired him to fly. “Planes from Teterboro Airport took off right over my house,” Spann said. Read the complete interview here. Read Spann’s obituary in today’s Record here.

 

Sunday Nature Walk Recap

Mill Creek Birders MCM 9.6.15We had 43 people join us on this past Sunday’s Nature Walk led by the Bergen County Audubon Society at Mill Creek Marsh in Secaucus. It was a great morning for birding. Northern Harriers, greater yellow-legs, yellow warblers, Double crested cormorants and more were spotted. Below are photos of a mallard and a heron on sentry duty, a Greater yellowlegs, and plenty of Egrets. Photos courtesy of Joe Koscielny and Chris Takacs.

 

Fundraiser Walk at DeKorte Park on Sept. 20

eventphotos_3_3859383939On Sunday, Sept. 20, the Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation will hold its annual ovarian cancer awareness and fundraising walk at DeKorte Park. The non-profit, Madison-based organization was formed in 2000 with the mission of educating and helping women overcome the threat of ovarian cancer. September is also ovarian cancer awareness month.The walkathon takes place from 8:15 to 11:30 am To register and learn more click here.

More DeKorte Photos from Joe Koscielny

Here is a second batch of wonderful photos that Joe Koscielny took while at DeKorte Park last Sunday. They are, from left to right: Two Red-tailed Hawks, Barn Swallows, and an Orange Sulpher butterly.

 

From a Stroll Around DeKorte

 

Joe Koscielny sent along these awesome photos from his walk around DeKorte Park last Sunday. We’ll post another batch later today.They are, from left to right: Semipalmated Sandpiper, Palm Warbler, Great Egret and Sandpipers, and Great Egret solo.

Speaking of Sunday, don’t forget to come out to this Sunday’s free guided nature walk at Mill Creek Marsh in Secaucus, from 10 am to noon. The walk is led by the Bergen County Audubon Society. We’ll be looking for raptors, waterfowl, fall migrants and there. Hope to see everyone there!

Meadowlands-Inspired Art Exhibit in Jersey City

meadowlands exhibitAn art exhibit inspired by the landscape of the Meadowlands, “Nancy Cohen: Hackensack Dreaming” opens Tuesday, Sept. 8, and will run until Wednesday, Oct. 21 at New Jersey City University’s Visual Arts Gallery. The exhibit features Jersey City resident Cohen’s glass, mixed-media sculptures and sheets inspired by Mill Creek Marsh in Secaucus. Read more in today’s Jersey Journal here.

Don Torino’s Life in the Meadowlands: The Black-crowned Night Heron

Photos by Fred Nisenholz

On a cold early evening in March, I was part of a group of hardy birders who came to the banks of the Hackensack River at Laurel Hill County Park in hopes of witnessing the whirling Meadow dance of the woodcock. As our group waited patiently for the Timberdoodles to broadcast their first “PEENT” call of the night we instead heard a distinctive “Quock” sound from overhead.  One, than two, and finally 19 owl-like images flew out of the rapidly darkening skies directly over our heads. All were Black-crowned Nights Herons, providing for one of those natural magical experiences that often occur in the Meadowlands, a sure indication of a cleaner and healthier environment.

The Black-crowned Night Heron has suffered throughout its history, first from feather hunters in the 1800s and later from the ravages of the pesticide DDT and habitat destruction, forcing New Jersey to add the bird to its list of threatened species in 1999. By the late 1990s, there were still only about 200 of the birds in the State.

Thankfully, with the vast environmental improvements made in the Meadowlands over the past 20 years, Black-crowned Night Herons can now be seen in most areas of the region, whether perched on the railing of DeKorte Park’s Marsh Discovery Trail or quietly peering down at you from a low tree branch at Losen Slote Creek. They rest during the day for the most part and forage a diverse menu at night, hunting everything from fish, insects, and crabs to birds, eggs, and sometimes even fruit.

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Pontoon Boat Trip Photos

Fred Nisenholz provided us with these great photos from last week’s pontoon boat tour. Thanks Fred! Don’t forget: the last boat tour of the season is Sept. 24. Remaining tours are 5 p.m. Sept. 8, 11, 16, 22, and 24; and 8:30 a.m. Sept. 19. To register click here.

I Spy Some Soras

Following on our post this morning of Roy Woodford’s Least Bittern photos, we have some Sora shots courtesty of Roy. Like the Least Bittern, the Sora is not always easily seen, and it can take patience to wait for one to appear.