It is with great sadness that we report the passing this week of Jill Homcy. Jill, a dedicated and beloved nature lover, helped make the Meadowlands more hospitable to birds, particularly the Bald Eagles that nest in Ridgefield Park.

Below are touching tributes from Bergen County Audubon Society President Don Torino (pictured above with Jill) and Field Trip Coordinator Chris Takacs.

Don Torino: My heart and the hearts of all our members and anyone that loved our birds and the natural world are broken tonight. Jill Homcy was my friend and a hero. She helped save our Eagles nest in Ridgefield Park and helped bring attention to the methane burners in the Meadowlands . She brought joy to anyone that had the pleasure of knowing her and was a beacon of light even when things were at their worse. Her passion and love of nature will live on in all all of us. She will soar with the eagles and raptors that she loved and will never be forgotten. Our hearts are broken.

Chris Takacs: As I sit at State Line Lookout this morning I do it with a heavy heart at the loss of our friend Jill Homcy. I’d like to think she sent the sunrise Peregrine Falcon past the Hawk Watch. I met Jill through photography but became her friend when she mentioned my mom’s name. Her best friend’s mom, Marie, and my mom were friends. Marie asked Jill about my mom after seeing a photo of mine. This connection to my mom, who I lost 30 years ago, was special to me. I won’t forget Jill and her love of photography, eagles, hawks and falcons. Not will I forget the connection she brought me to my mom. It’s time for you to soar with the eagles my friend.