Jim Wright attended the guided nature walk with the BCAS earlier this week at Laurel Hill Park in Secaucus and posted a full report on his blog, including a list of species seen.

Have a great weekend everyone!

The plants are in the ground!

One month ago the Bergen County Audubon Society awarded a $3,500 grant to the NJSEA for songbird and pollinator plantings at the Lyndhurst Nature Reserve in DeKorte Park. Supervisor of Park Planning Katy Weidel reports that workers today and yesterday planted approximately 2,500 plugs of Common Milkweed and Rose Mallow (Hibiscus) as well as 250 Black Cherries (fruit consumed by over 30 species of birds – host plant for Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and Viceroy butterflies) and Red Chokeberry (fruit for the birds and nectar for the butterflies).

Katy tells us that the plants will increase foraging, cover, and nesting habitats for a variety of songbirds, and provide a nectar and larvae sources for butterflies. Thanks to the BCAS for its generosity!

Chris Takacs got this shot of a banded White crowned Sparrow near DeKorte Park today. Chris reports that the numbers on the band indidcate that the sparrow may have been marked during the Harrier Meadow banding project.

The decline of a species is a very insidious affair. Their departure almost seems to go unnoticed until it sneaks up on you when you least expect it. It feels as if when no one is watching you wake up one day and realize you no longer see the bird you once loved as often as you have in the past. Then you begin to look around and wonder why, and ask what could have happened ?

In reality, of course, the deterioration of a species of wildlife does not happen overnight and usually has multiple causes, but the warning signs are always there waiting to be found. The American Kestrel is one of those species that holds a special place in my heart. Unfortunately, while it once graced the skies of the Meadowlands, it has now sadly seen a dramatic decline in a very short time.

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Above are some photos from this Tuesday’s Nature Walk at Laurel Hill Park in Secaucus. Thanks to Joe Koscielny for the great shots!

Credit: Johann Schumacher

Check out this column from this past weekend’s New York Times on the American Kestrel in New York City. Check back tomorrow morning for much more on the Kestrel.

Cool event tomorrow night in Teaneck: Bergen County Audubon Society (BCAS) is hosting a program on the New Jersey Bald Eagle Program. Check out the BCAS Facebook page for more info.

Don Torino of the Bergen County Audubon Society (BCAS) sent in a photo of a rather proud looking Peregrine Falcon, the highlight of this morning’s walk at Laurel Hill Park in Secaucus. “Great people and great weather made it a great morning, and this Peregrine Falcon made the day,” Don writes.

Don’t miss the next free guided walk on Sunday, Nov. 1, at Mill Creek Marsh in Secaucus from 10 am to noon. For more information email Don at greatauk4@gmail.com or give him a call at 201-230-4983.

Mickey Raine sent in the following, lovely tribute to his wife Elaine’s Aunt Rose:

I had driven over to DeKorte Park very early this morning, hoping to capture some pre-sunrise and sunrise hour scenes.  We had just learned about the passing of Elaine’s Aunt Rose in San Jose, California, and I, too, felt her to be a truly special lady–an infinitely devoted mother, grandmother, wife and sister.

Rose Ichishita (Aunt Rose)

She always seemed to be of great spirits, in spite of her personal conditions, much like our dear friend Tricia, who had just passed away.  Elaine had just had one of her long and fun chats with Rose no more than two weeks ago.

This may sound corny, but sunset and sunrise landscape viewings can be deep solace for the soul, while also, quite inspirational.

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The Meadowlands has made NJSpotlight’s Top 10 New Jersey locales during the fall migration for birders to add species to their life lists. Check out the story here!