Julie McCall reports seeing Barrn Swallows, Forster's Terns, Hermit Thrush and Woodcock at DeKorte on Saturday.
Her report follows (Thanks, Julie!):
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Author Archives: NJMC
Looking Ahead: End of April
Here are a few of the major blog posts from last April, in case you're looking ahead:
Quick Bird Report: 041610
Ray Duffy had Blue-headed Vireos at Schmidt's Woods in Secaucus this a.m. He and a few others saw two Forster's Terns over the tidal impoundments at DeKorte today. Photo of Forster's Tern at right was taken today. We also had Common Merg flying, Savannah Sparrows plus plenty of Gadwalls and No. Shovelers at DeKorte.
Other recent sightings in the next post.
Eastern Towhee plus at DeKorte
We saw this eastern Towhee earlier this week in DeKorte Park's Lyndhurst Nature Reserve but have not seen him the past couple of days — so keep an eye out if you're in the area. Seen today at the LNR, last of the season Junco, White-crowned and White-throats, plus Killdeer, many Great Egrets and an Osprey overhead
Answering a Raven Question
Julie McCall wrote in last week to ask if any previous Common Raven nests at Laurel Hill had been successful, and the answer is yes.
Last year, for example, two young ravens successfully left the nest in early May– though they still received food from Mom and Dad. (Photo is above, a couple of links are here and here. (Thanks for asking!)
New Osprey Platform in Little Ferry
The Record had a neat story today about an new Osprey nesting platform put up on the Bergen County Utilities Authority campus near the Hackensack River in Little Ferry.
We are seeing more and more of these once-threatened fish hawks along the river, and additional housing opportunities (potential nesting sites) are a big plus. This new platform was a joint effort by the BCUA, Riverkeeper, PSE&G and Verizon.
The link to Environmental Writer Scott Fallon's story is here.
DeKorte: Mourning Cloak Butterfly
Just saw our first of the year Mourning Cloak in the DeKorte's Lyndhurst Nature Reserve. This cloak looks like something out of the Salvation Army store, but still nice to see.
By the way, according to the North American Butterfly Association Checklist for DeKorte, this butterfly is due to appear around… mid-April.
Checklist is here.
More on Mourning Cloaks here.
By the way, have you heard that a new free Butterflies of DeKorte Park pamphlet is in the works? We hope to have it ready later this spring.
Kearny Marsh Update
We have been itching to get back to the Kearny Marsh, and when we finally got a chance to visit on Wednesday afternoon, we weren't disappointed.
Among the highlights: an American Coot, two perched Ospreys, a Great Blue Heron and many Muskrats.
The water levels have dropped to the point where the trail along the railroads tracks is open (though a tad muddy in spots).
New ‘Bird Sightings’ Board!
We have a new Dry-Erase board just inside the Meadowlands Environment Center, with a list of recent sightings. If you see any good birds (or butterflies, etc.), feel free to add to the list …
Earth Day at DeKorte: Don’t Miss It!
The New Jersey Meadowlands Commission will celebrate Earth Day on Thursday, April 22 with a full slate of fun and educational eco-friendly activities for all ages.
The free programming includes nature walks, craft projects, green living workshops, giveaways and more.
All programs will be held at the Meadowlands Environment Center and in surrounding DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst, the home of the NJMC.
DeKorte Park, which was once slated to be a landfill, is a one-square mile urban oasis of wetlands, nature trails and water views, all framed by the New York City skyline.
The day begins at 10 a.m. with a 90-minute guided bird walk through DeKorte Park led by the NJMC and the Bergen County Audubon Society. Guides will help visitors look for spring arrivals such as tree swallows and egrets. Download the flier here: Download Earth Day 2010 Flier