Thanks to Dennis Cheeseman for the blog’s first Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Yellow-billed Cuckoo photos! Dennis got the shots at DeKorte Park at lunchtime today. Thanks again Dennis!

We’re just a few days from the Meadowlands Birding Festival and we couldn’t be more excited!

The free, family-friendly Festival is Saturday, Sept. 15, at DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The day will include bird walks, talks, raptor visits, kid’s activities and more celebrating the Meadowlands amazing bird population.

Highlights include a keynote talk by renowned field guide author David Sibley, a walk led by prominent birding author Rick Wright and a live raptor demonstration. Kid’s programs include a scavenger hunt, bird migration game, and making an ice cream cone bird feeder.

To register for the event click here