Christine Fitzpatrick was at DeKorte on Monday and sent in this series of photos of a Cedar Waxwing and a Robin at the fountain at Jill’s Garden. She wonders whether the birds are in the midst of a standoff or just having a good time together. Good question. Thanks Christine!
Below are photos of, in order, a Goldfinch, Downy Woodpecker and Marsh Wren taken by Rich Brown at DeKorte this past weekend. Thanks Rich!
Join the Bergen County Audubon Society for a nature walk at Mill Creek Marsh in Secaucus next Tuesday, July 19, from 10 am to noon. The marsh trail is a great place for birding, and they’ll be looking for herons, egrets, shorebirds and other birds of interest. If the tide is low you’ll be able to see the dozens of Atlantic White Cedar stumps that dot the marsh.
Park in the lot near Bob’s Discount Furniture at Mill Creek Mall. For more information email greatauk4@gmail.com or call 201-230-4983.
We’ll start the week with a photo of one of the many mallards that Rich Brown reports were at DeKorte on Saturday. Don’t forget to send me your photos at brian.aberback@njmeadowlands.gov. Hope to get a lot of great pics this week!
Thanks to Regina Geoghan for sending in this fantastic collage of bees, ladybugs and beetles taken at DeKorte yesterday. If you haven’t submitted your photos to the blog yet, don’t be shy! Email them to brian.aberback@njmeadowlands.gov
These folks pictured at Jill’s Garden in DeKorte Park were among 20 people who participated in a butterfly photography workshop at the park earlier this afternoon. A majestic Monarch was among the species spotted.
On Saturday, July 30, we look forward to seeing everyone scoping out butterflies at our annual Butterfly Day festival at DeKorte Park. This year’s event takes place from 10 am to 3 pm. The free, family-friendly day includes walks, talks and plenty of activities for the kids, including a scavenger hunt, crafts and a costume contest.
Experts from the Bergen County Audubon Society and the North American Butterfly Association – North Jersey Chapter will be on hand to help locate and identify the butterflies. Rain date is Sunday, July 31. Register for the free event here.
Did you know that National Moth Week is this month? On Monday, July 25, from 8:30 to 10 pm we’ll be celebrating these spectacular yet misunderstood cousins of butterflies at DeKorte.
National Moth Night includes a talk by the co-founder of National Moth Week, and industrial-strength lamps and white sheets will be set up in the park to attract moths for easy viewing. National Moth Night is a free event. Sign-up here.
Monarch on Milkweed by Marie Longo
For the typical backyard gardener planting time usually slows down in summer, but it’s very important to remember there is still plenty of time to add or introduce milkweed to your backyard habitat.
Monarchs are just beginning to deposit eggs in our area and will be well into August. Remember, the female monarch does not need the plant to be flowering in order for them to lay eggs. All they need are the leaves of the milkweed and of course as we should all know by now, NO MILKWEED, NO MONARCH BUTTERFLIES!
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