There’s nothing to warm the body and soul on a chilly March morning like a Nature Walk around DeKorte Park! Join the Bergen County Audubon Society this Sunday for a walk around this beautiful park as they look for majestic wintering waterfowl. The walk is from 10 am to noon and meets outside the Meadowlands Environment Center. For more info contact Don Torino at greatauk4@gmail.com or 201-230-4983.
Ruddy Duck
Joe Koscielny braved the harsh winds yesterday for some great shots at DeKorte. We’ll have a second batch later. Don’t forget to come to the park this Sunday, March 5, for the BCAS’ first Sunday of the Month Nature Walk from 10 am to noon. The walk meets outside the Meadowlands Environment Center. For more info contact Don Torino at greatauk4@gmail.com or 201-230-4983.
Ruddy Duck
Pied-billed Grebe
Pied-billed Grebe
Red-eared Sliders
Great Blue Heron
American Black Ducks
Check out an article posted on northjersey.com earlier this afternoon about the continuing rise in population of Bald Eagles in New Jersey. According to the story, there were a record 172 couples and 216 chicks spotted last year. The article also mentions that officials counted 42 new osprey nests last year, bringing the state total to a record 515.
Some of you may have already heard the calls, the ancient sounds that now fill the air of the Meadowlands. Those who are connected to the natural world know it is time without ever looking at the calendar. It is the season for the “Spirit of the Marsh,” as Native Americans have called it. Time for the Red-winged Blackbirds to return to the meadows and marshes of New Jersey.
We leave you today with the third and final installment of Mickey Raine’s final photos of February from DeKorte Park. By way of the proud mini-motorcylist, Mickey says, “The metal Chopper Dude artwork with Old Glory in hand is something as a special tribute to a very, very dear friend.” Thanks for a great day of photos, Mickey!
Ring-billed Gull
Ruddy Duck
Ruddy Ducks
Northern Pintails
Due to the forecasted inclement weather, the March 1 open public viewing night at the William D. McDowell Observatory has been cancelled. The next open public viewing night is next Wednesday, March 8, from 7:30 to 10 pm
Green-Winged Teal MCM
As promised, here’s the second of three batches of great photos that Mickey Raine took in the last days of February at Mill Creek Marsh and DeKorte. Looking forward to equally awesome photos from Mickey and everyone this month!
Green-winged Teal MCM
Ring-billed Gulls MCM
Hooded Merganser MCM
Hooded Merganser MCM
Black-capped Chickadee MCM
Northern Mockingbird MCM
NYC Skyline from DeKorte Park
Sunset DeKorte Park
Sunset DeKorte Park
Mickey Raine sent in three sets of amazing photos from Mill Creek Marsh and DeKorte Park taken in the last weeks of February. That’s perfect for us. We’ll start the day with this batch, post more in the noon hour and then finish the day with the final series. These Ring-billed Gulls, Killdeer and Mummichogs were alll photographed at Mill Creek.
Mickey says it best himself:
One awaits the start of March with some anticipation and doubts as to whether the early spring like weather will dominate the calendar or a final reminder from Mother Nature that winter is not over, yet, dropping a ton of snow to let us know who is in control. But, to tell the truth, as long as it is not the sort that causes hardship to anyone, it can be a lot of fun when embracing the beauty and the wildlife that accentuates the landscape under such conditions.
