Least Sandpipers

Things are changing in the Meadowlands. Despite the summer sun and what date it may read on your calendar, summer is slowly waning. Nature has no date book, apps or Iphones. Rather, it prepares as it has done for eons despite our best efforts to have one more visit to the beach and another barbeque on the deck.

But now there is magic happening. The Semipalmated Sandpipers are congregating by the thousands on the mudflats of the Meadowlands, resting and refueling for their incredible journey that began in the Arctic and will end in South America. The Yellowlegs , Egrets and Plovers can also be seen now, meeting together and well aware that summer in the Meadowlands  is rapidly leaving us behind.

Black-bellied Plover

The last generation of Monarch butterflies numbers now improving from the steep decline of  years past now beginning to fly high over the marshes on their long arduous journey to Mexico.  More Warblers are arriving by the day but their visit will be short as the days go by and as fall slowly but surely approaches.

The skies even look different now for those who take the time to look beyond the turnpike traffic and the jet noises. The cloud formations are changing and the Meadowlands beautiful sunsets are now taking on distinct colors and hues.

The days are shorter and the night breezes a little cooler. Soon the winter raptors like Harriers and Eagles will be arriving to hunt over the Meadows that are rich with food. Many diverse duck species that have spent the summer far to the north will make the Meadowlands home till spring.

The changing of seasons in the Meadowlands is always a magical time, and none will be more beautiful than the coming fall.  The wildlife, the colors and the magic of the Meadowlands all seem to come together for a remarkable display of life that thrives and flourishes once again in this richly diverse urban environment.

This season leave your texting , TVs and computers behind for a while and take yourself, your family, friend or neighbors out to experience the magical wonders of nature in the Meadowlands …see you there.