Here’s a photo of the Upper Hackensack Lift Bridge/HX Drawbridge making way for this morning’s pontoon boat tour. The structure dates to 1911 and is one of the first Heel Trunnion bascule bridges built in the country. The structure was designed by Joseph Strauss, who also drew up the plans for the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

The bridge’s unique design features a counterweight that continuously balances a span, or “leaf,” throughout its upward swing to provide clearance for boat traffic. The bridge also supports commuter trains from New Jersey Transit’s Main Line carrying passengers from Lyndhurst to Secaucus.

The bridge is just one of many interesting sites to be seen on our pontoon boat tours of the Hackensack River and its marshes. For more on our boat tours, click here

For more information on heel trunnion bascule bridges,click here

We’re pleased to announce our annual Birding By Boat tour, which this year is being held on Tuesday, Aug. 9, from 10 am to noon. Experts from the Bergen County Audubon Society and the NJSEA will help point out species as you cruise down the Hackensack River and through its marshes.

We’ll look for peregrine falcons, ospreys, northern harriers, various egrets and herons, plus diamondback terrapins. Nature photographers are welcome, but no tripods.

Pre-registration is required. Suggested donation is $15. All proceeds go toward the restoration of the Hackensack River Ecosystem. Seating is limited and this trip fills up fast. Contact Cathy Vonk at 201-460-4677 to book your seat!

Red eared Slider

Here is the second batch of photos from Joe Koscielny taken at this past Sunday’s Birds and Butterflies Walk at DeKorte. Enjoy!

Robin with Mulberry

Immature Marsh Wren

Immature Marsh Wren

Immature Marsh Wren

Tree Swallows