Start May the right way by joining the Bergen County Audubon Society for a walk through DeKorte Park, a gem of a natural resource featuring scenic trails and an abundance of avian species.
Meet outside the Meadowlands Environment Center, 2 DeKorte Park Plaza.
Contact: Don Torino greatauk4@gmail.com or (201) 230-4983.
The Bergen County Audubon Society is seeking volunteers to participate in its annual Spring Count Fundraiser on Saturday, May 11. The all-day program takes place throughout Bergen County.
Please contact Dave Hall at david.hall@einsteinmed.edu or (973) 226-7825 should you wish to participate.
A Vesper Sparrow was spotted at DeKorte Park yesterday (Sunday, April 21), providing a real treat for birdwatchers. The species is very rarely seen in the Meadowlands, especially in the spring. Kerri Wallace, one of several people to see the sparrow, submitted these photos of our new avian friend at the Kingsland Overlook. Thanks Kerri!
Get a head start on Earth Day and join the Bergen County Audubon Society as they celebrate the Meadowlands’ critical environment and demonstrate support for environmental protection nationwide. Meet outside the Meadowlands Environment Center, 2 DeKorte Park Plaza, Lyndhurst. The walk is from 10 a.m. to noon.
Contact: Don Torino greatauk4@gmail.com (201) 230-4983
It’s hard to pick a favorite among these photos that Joe Koscielny sent us from last week’s Beregen County Audubon Society Nature Walk at Harrier Meadow in North Arlington. They are all wonderful pictures capturing our avian friends in all their illustrative wonder.
Enjoy the gallery below!
Due to anticipated inclement weather, the William D. McDowell Observatory will be closed tonight, Wednesday, April 17.
The day started much like any other. As usual, I was scrambling around the house trying to get out the door. It was going to be a beautiful day, so I thought I get some work done at a local butterfly garden project. I got my jacket on and a call came in from Chris, “I am heading out to check on one of the Eagles nests.” Great, I said, let me know what’s going on. “Will do,” Chris came back.
I made it to the garden, removed some invasives, added a few natives, did some pruning and spread some mulch. Then a text message came in from Dee, “Switch at 9:21.” This meant the nesting Eagles in Ridgefield Park traded off caring for the nest, an exciting event in the world of Eagle nest monitors. Great news Dee! I said. Just then a text from Chris, “I see a chick, all is good.”
I was packing up quickly and got a text from Jimmy, “Our Purple Martins are back at Overpeck !” I will be right there! I said.
Jimmy and I sat on the bench, two old timers just watching these great birds finally return home again. We talked of how hard he worked to get them here and like a mother hen how he was so relieved to see them arrive. Then Jimmy got up quickly. “I have to go, I am off to do my Osprey nest observations, talk soon.”
Then I headed for the Frank Chapman trail in Teaneck to do some trail maintenance and check on things. Half-way down the trail I saw a man wheeling a hand truck with a bucket and shovel. I I admit that at first I thought the worst until I noticed it was Rich, the Bluebird nest box man! What’s going on? I asked with a big smile. It’s been a while! “Planting some trees today,” Rich said. “I had some good trees potted and thought you could use them here.” Of Course! We walked along the trail together, talked about bluebirds, eagles, trees and getting old. “See you soon my friend,” Rich said
Back in the truck, I was headed to Oradell to talk with a perspective Eagle Scout that wants to put a garden in to help the Monarch Butterflies. It’s always a great day when I meet wonderful young people that want to give something back.
A text came in from Tammy, (“Just off of doing observations for NJDEP on a local Peregrine nest.” She is organizing all the volunteer Master Gardeners for Tuesday’s Butterfly Garden workday. “What do you need Don? Getting ready for Earth Day?” We sure are Tammy, see you there!
The scout and his Mom talked more with me on how much we need native plants and how important his project will be to the Monarchs and all wildlife of the area. We agreed to talk more. Before I left I texted Maryann and asked if she would do some observations for NJDEP at a Black-crowned Night Heron roost. “Sure thing, Don. Consider it done.” Now I was headed home after a long day.
This is a typical day for all these volunteers. No one gets paid. Their pictures are not in the paper. They hold no trophies or have any letters after their names. By the way this was not Earth Day, at least not the Earth Day on the calendar. Because as corny as it sounds, everyday is Earth Day for these amazing people whom I am so proud to work with and call friends.
The real Earth Day is not about people posing next to a solar panel for a photo-op or some corporate spokesperson telling you why their new EV will save the world if you would only buy it. Earth Day is also not about sitting behind a computer and signing petitions or posting nifty Earth Day sayings on social media.
It is about individuals caring, doing what they can, getting outside, joining together and supporting each other and the people that do the right thing to protect the environment. You know, the one we all need and love. In the labor movement, the battle cry was always, “Organize.” I think we need to add that to the Earth Day label. “Organize! It’s Earth Day.” We have come to the crossroads, there is no going back. We will either save the Earth for future generations or stand around and wait for someone else to do it. If that someone else ever shows up.
A text comes in from Dee. “Switch at 6:47p.m. Have a great night.”
Happy Earth Day!
See you in the Meadowlands
Don
Get a head start on Earth Day and join the Bergen County Audubon Society as they celebrate the Meadowlands’ critical environment and demonstrate support for environmental protection nationwide. Meet outside the Meadowlands Environment Center, 2 DeKorte Park Plaza, Lyndhurst. The walk is from 10 a.m. to noon.
Contact: Don Torino greatauk4@gmail.com (201) 230-4983
The NJSEA William D. McDowell Observatory will not be open for the Partial Solar Eclipse taking place on Monday, April 8. Below is an important safety guide for those who plan to watch the partial eclipse. Check out an article on northjersey.com about where to obtain Solar Eclipse Glasses.
Join the Bergen County Audubon Society for this unique opportunity to explore a natural area that is normally closed to the public. We’ll be on the lookout for waterfowl, raptors and songbirds. The walk is from 10 a.m. to noon. Meet at the entrance to Harrier Meadow off Disposal Road in North Arlington.
Contact: Don Torino greatauk4@gmail.com or (201) 230-4983