Thanks to Chris Takacs, Field Trip Chairman of the Bergen County Audubon Society, for the following update on what birds are taking up residence in the Meadowlands, and the accompanying great photos!
From Chris Takacs: This is the time when the waterfowl move north to breed and shorebirds move in to the Meadowlands to refuel on their way north. Yelllowlegs are now seen everyday and expect Least Sandpipers and Spotted Sandpipers to arrive.
Savannah Sparrows have arrived and expect to see Field Sparrows and Towhees too. Palm and Yellow-rumped Warblers have been seen for two weeks, but now is the time to look for our breeding warblers, Common Yellowthroats and Yellow Warblers. Migrant warblers will begin to move through the Meadowlands. Look for Black and White, Prairie, American Redstart, Black-throated Blue and Northern Parula. Marsh Wrens, the tiny ones in the phragmites, are starting to arrive too.
Fortster’s Terns have arrived and the time is now to watch their courtship rituals of sharing fish. Least Terns are due to arrive soon too. Check DeKorte Park for American Coot, Clapper Rail and Common Gallinule as these local scarce breeders begin to arrive. Orchard and Baltimore Orioles, nesters in DeKorte Park, should arrive this week too. It’s an exciting time in migration as the weather warms and the birds arrive.