Based on the overcast conditions, the William D. McDowell Observatory public viewing session tonight (Wednesday, Sept. 12) has been cancelled. The next public viewing night is Wednesday, Sept. 19, from 8 to 10:30 pm.

Amazing story on the comeback of birds in the Meadowlands leading up to the Meadowlands Birding Festival this Saturday by Scott Fallon on northjersey.com

Haven’t registered for the Festival yet? What are you waiting for – to register and for a complete schedule click here

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.

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

We’re just over a week 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 and will include a family-friendly day of bird walks, talks, raptor visits, kids 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

By now anyone that has read my column over the years or for that matter wanders the woods and meadows with me knows I like to talk to wildlife.

I have had in-depth and detailed conversations with everything from bears to bumble bees and beavers to butterflies. These days It seems that it has just become an automatic response that I immediately greet the creatures I meet along the way on my daily adventures from my backyard garden to the Meadowlands.

Continue reading →

Thanks once more to David McClure for sending in photos he took at DeKorte this past Sunday and today. Here we have some great-looking Goldfinches!

Great photo by David McClure, who captured this pair of Monarchs who may be ready to mate! Taken at DeKorte this past Sunday.

According to NJSEA naturalist Aleshanee Mooney:

Mating monarchs could stay connected all day, even when one of them flies around. The male is the one with its wings spread out. You can see the pheromone glands on the male’s bottom wings.

Black-crowned Night Heron

Dennis Cheeseman was at DeKorte Park early this morning and sent these photos. A great way to start the day. Thanks Dennis!

Black-crowned Night Heron

Double-crested Cormorants

Great Egrets

This Osprey photographed at River Barge Park this morning looked ready to attack the day (and maybe some prey) head-on. Thanks to Dennis Cheeseman for the pics!