Thanks to all who joined the Bergen County Audubon Society and New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority for Saturday’s Meadowlands Birding Festival! Participants were treated to a great day of bird walks, seminars, talks, a live raptor shows and activities for the kids.

Keynote speaker Sharon Stiteler “The Birdchick” gave an engaging presentation on her birding adventures throughout the world as well as a digiscoping seminar. Stiteler has traveled the world as a field trip leader, birding consultant, bird field technician, bird bander and writer.

NJSEA naturalists and BCAS volunteers led walks throughout DeKorte Park. Highlights included sightings of a Sora and Least Bittern family. A live raptor presentation by the Avian Wildlife Center featured an Eastern Screech Owl, a Red-tailed Hawk and a Kestrel that enthralled the audience.

Congratulations to Chris Soucy, Executive Director of the Raptor Trust, who received the first annual BCAS Frank M. Chapman Award for his work rehabilitation birds at the Raptor Trust sanctuary.

Below are photos from throughout the day