Get some fresh air and enjoy nature this coming Sunday before settling in to watch the big game. The BCAS/NJSEA Annual Super Bird Sunday walk takes place on Feb. 5 at DeKorte Park from 10 a.m. to noon. We’ll be looking for falcons, of course, as well as other birds that are also an NFL team name: Cardinal, Raven, Eagle, Seahawk (osprey), Giant (great) egret  and Giant (great) blue heron. For more information: 201-230-4983 or greatauk4@gmail.com.

The Super Bowl pits the Atlanta Falcons against the New England Patriots. No question who the guy pictured above wants to win! Thanks to Steve Ceragno for the photo.

The questions I get asked most  of course are about birds and other wildlife, but a close second is inquiries concerning optics for birding. So I thought it would be worthwhile once again talking about binoculars for birding.

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Riverside County Park
North Arlington

Bergen County is in the midst of developing its first ever Parks Master Plan. There’s a good story on the matter in today’s Record, including citizens’ concerns about what the plan may or may not mean for the future of the County parks. Check it out here

The Peregrines are getting ready to hang a Falcons banner under the Route 3 Bridge today! They, and all the falcons of the Meadowlands, are celebrating the Atlanta Falcons heading to the Super Bowl! Speaking of which, don’t miss Bergen County Audubon’s annual Super Bird Sunday walk on Feb. 5 at DeKorte from 10 a.m. to noon. We’ll be looking for falcons, of course, as well as other birds that are also an NFL team name: Cardinal, Raven, Eagle, Seahawk (osprey), Giant (great) egret  and Giant (great) blue heron. For more information: 201-230-4983 or greatauk4@gmail.com.

Merlin at River Barge Park

Ron Shields sent some great raptor photos he recently took from around the Meadowlands. Peace Out! (as the Merlin above appears to be signaling).

Adult Coopers Hawk on Disposal Road

American Kestrel on Valley Brook Avenue

Adult Red-tailed Hawk at River Barge Park

It was difficult looking through raindrops on my binoculars. My spotting scope was no better. As fast as I tried to wipe them clean the rain did its best to hinder any hopes I had of watching birds this cold wet morning.  My toes were beginning to chill and my fingertips fared no better.  My knees began to stiffen up and my old back very much the same. The winter winds bit my face and brought some tears to my cheeks. It was a glorious day to be outside and in the Meadowlands!

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Cormorant

The weather wasn’t cooperative, but that didn’t stop a hearty bunch from taking part in yesterday’s Laurel Hill Park Nature Walk led by the Bergen County Audubon Society. Here are some photos from Joe Koscielny.

Our next walk is the annual Super Bird Sunday walk! Come out to DeKorte on Feb. 5 from 10 am to noon to look for birds with the same names as NFL teams: Cardinal, Raven, Falcon, Eagle, Seahawk (osprey), Giant (great) egret  and Giant (great) blue heron. It’s possible the Atlanta Falcons could be in the big game – we’ll know this Sunday.

Cormorant

Peregrine Falcon

American Coots

Our newest contributor, Stephanie Pinsdorf, was at DeKorte this past Saturday and was kind enough to share her photos. Thanks Stephanie!

Check out the story in today’s Record about the kilifish and how it is genetically suited for some of New Jersey’s most troubled waterways. As stated in the article, a new study shows that “a large population of this overlooked minnow has developed an extraordinary resistance to the deadly dioxin, PCBs, heavy metals and other contaminants at the confluence of the Hackensack and Passaic rivers.”

Green-winged Teal

Mickey Raine sent in these awesome photos from his visit to Mill Creek Marsh yesterday during the Magic Hour, the period when twilight approaches with gorgeous golden tones.

Green-winged Teal

Great Blue Heron