Jim Wright got a pic of this Orange-crowned Warbler near the southeast corner of Mill Creek Marsh in Secaucus on New Year’s Day. The Orange-crowned warbler is almost only seen in winter in these parts and is considered a rare sighting. You can read more on Jim’s Celery Farm and Beyond blog. Thanks Jim for sharing!

Some 40 nature enthusiasts bundled up and kicked off the New Year by participating in a Bergen County Audubon Society Nature Walk at Mill Creek Point Park on Sunday, Jan. 3, in Secaucus. By all accounts it was a great morning for birding, with Buffleheads, Northern Pintails and Great Black-backed gulls among the sightings as photographed by Alice Leurck.

The next BCAS walk is at Laurel Hill Park in Secaucus on Tuesday, Jan. 19, from 10 am to noon. We’ll be keeping a sharp eye out for Ravens, raptors, waterfowl and other birds of interest on the Hackensack River. The walk meets in the parking lot by the ballfields at the park. Information: 201-230-4983 or greatauk4@gmail.com.