Least Bitterns are starting to show themselves around DeKorte, along with many others. Chris Takacs sent this report:

Over the last few days the Least Bitterns have been showing themselves along the Marsh Discovery Trail. Most evenings we have heard them softly “cooing” from at least 4 locations along the trail. Least Terns and Black Skimmers have been seen too. This morning we walked the Marsh Discovery Trail and saw these 3 birds plus Snowy Egret, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Black-crowned Night-heron and Yellow-crowned Night-heron, Spotted Sandpipers, 7 Ruddy Ducks, a whole bunch of Marsh Wrens, Swamp Sparrows and hundreds of Mallards of various ages.

A selection of butterflies photographed in late afternoon during a Sept visit to Richard W. DeKorte Park in the N.J. Meadowlands.

Butterflies have come to signify many things in different cultures, from a time of transition in one’s life to a symbol of the inner soul. But Butterflies are also a sure sign of a healthy environment, one free of pesticides and rich in biodiversity.

A prime example of a vigorous, healthy butterfly habitat is Richard DeKorte Park in the Meadowlands.

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