Ron Shields took some amazing shots of the Northern Shrike last weekend. We'll post them Thursday, not tomorrow, because of our "No Shrike Wednesdays" policy.
Author Archives: NJMC
Tuesday Teaser 030910: Help Us I.D. This Guy!
Bird Report: DeKorte Park 030810
Rob Fanning saw some great birds at DeKorte on Sunday, including the shrike and a male Wood Duck. We hope to post the list from the Birding for Beginners Walk on this Wednesday.
Rob's full report follows. (Thanks, Rob!)
Disposal Road Caution
Tomorrow (Tuesday) and Wednesday, a contractor will be fixing potholes on Disposal Road. Please drive slowly around the contractor if and when using the road.
Pontoon-Boat and Canoe Tours
Another season of the Meadowlands Commission's popular eco-cruises and guided canoe trips begins in May, but you can start reserving a spot now.
Today we are posting information on the pontoon-boat eco-cruises. We'll post the canoe info on Wednesday.
The cruises leave from the River Barge Park in Carlstadt. The weekday and weeknight cruises last two hours, and are for people ages 10 and up. Suggested minimum donation per person is $15. Pre-registration is required.
The link to pontoon-boat schedule and registration form is here.
Marsh Discovery Trail Closed at Transco Trail
The Marsh Discovery Boardwalk is closed for repairs at the Transco Trail Entrance until further notice.
The only entrance and exit to the trail is near the entrance to DeKorte Park.
Thank you for your patience.
First Crocus of the Spring at DeKorte
DeKorte Bird Walk 030710 (Brief) Report
We had a great turnout for the Birding for Beginners Talk and Walk, with three dozen people on hand for the walk and roughly 50 for the walk.
Highlights included the White-crowned Sparrows, plenty of Canvasbacks, Buffleheads, a few Harriers along Disposal Road (like the one above).
The shrike was seen repeatedly Sunday morning, but not on the walk. (Something to due with his contract.)
Debby Goldman took the shot below of the first turtle of the season. (Thanks, Debby!)
We plan to print more pix and a full list on Wednesday. 
Bird Report 030710: Bald Eagle, Kearny Marsh, Plus
Mike Britt reports: "An adult Bald Eagle was soaring over the Hackensack River by the Rt. 3 bridge (seen from Exit 16W) Saturday afternoon. Highlights at Kearny Marsh were Peregrine, Harrier, Pied-billed Grebe, and 30 American Coots.
"Five White-crowned Sparrows (four adults, one first-winter) were near the entrance of DeKorte. There were approximately 160 Canvasbacks between the shorebird pool and impoundment. Otherwise, just the usual suspects and Harrier activity on Kingsland Landfill. Migrant Turkey Vultures were non-stop overhead." (Thanks, Mike!)
Bird Report 030710: Shrike plus
Nigel Bates reports: "Along with many others, I observed the Northern Shrike [Saturday] along Disposal Rd at 4:45 p.m. (it made an appearance at almost exactly the same time as Friday).
"Other good birds present in the impoundments and surrounding area were: dozens of Canvasbacks, a Merlin, 3 Harriers, at least 5 White-crowned Sparrows, and a Ring-necked Pheasant (making the longest flight I have ever seen out of this species).
"I then made a foray to Ridgefield and found the Monk Parakeets (about 8 were visible) at the usual spot — corner of Edgewater and Railroad Aves." (Thanks, Nigel!)