Twelve of us were at DeKorte for the First Sunday of the Month bird walk. We had a lot of great looks at neat birds, including several Northern Harriers, Common Mergs, Hoodies, Gadwall and Canvasbacks (but no Pintails).

  We had the best views of the harriers (left and above) and the Common Mergs from inside the Visitor Center at the Meadowlands Environment Center. (Is that cheating?)

  Walk leader and early birder Don Torino also had Bald Eagle and Peregrine Falcon by arriving early.

  We also looked for the shrike (unsuccessfully) on Disposal Road but we saw many American Coots by the Kearny Marsh (birders are pictured 
at left).

 Thanks to all who participated!

  Chris Takacs reports: "Anyone looking for the Northern Shrike in the Meadowlands may be out of luck today. I just saw the Shrike in my yard! I live walking distance from the bird's latest haunt."

    "It flew off to the North towards the Schuyler Diner on Schuyler Ave. about 7:55. It's probably not in the DeKorte area early today. I'd have to assume it flew in after Goldfinches which have been coming to the sock feeders the last few days. Didn't have the camera ready so I missed a shot. This will be the best yard bird of the year I guess…."  (Thanks, Chris!)

    (We'll take a look for it on our lunch hour.)

    Tina Schvejda of the Meadowlands Conservation Trust took this shot last month, great for the dawning of 2010. (Thanks, Tina!)

    The William D. McDowell Observatory in  DeKorte Park begins a new month of programming Monday night with free public programs at 7, 8 and 9 p.m.

   Each evening two major objects in the night sky will be viewed plus one or two other celestial objects or events depending on the observing conditions.

    Pictured at left is the observatory's state-of-the-art telescope with a 20-inch mirror,  housed beneath a retractable dome.

  The telescope, one of the largest in the area, is equipped with cameras to record the stars and planets. Special filters block light pollution.

   The observatory is one of the best bargains around. See for yourself!

  For detailed information and the complete January schedule, click here.

   Ron Shields reports: "A late [Thursday] afternoon stop at the Kearny Marsh produced all the usuals plus a secretive Common Moorhen and this lone Wood Duck, which was photographed through the reeds.  A great way to end the year!"  (Thanks, Ron!)

    Chris Takacs reports: "Northern Shrike was seen by many today around  11:30 along Disposal Road outside DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst. It was seen halfway between the carillon and the entrance to DeKorte. It flew off to the Saw Mill Trail after providing good looks to many birders."  Thanks, Chris!

   Julie McCall reports: “I ventured out in the snow Thursday morning to see what might be around Disposal Rd. and DeKorte, from about 10:30 a.m. till noon.

  "No positive sighting of the shrike, just a "maybe" flying behind the retention pond, that I couldn't verify due to distance and the falling snow; it might have been a mockingbird.   I also saw no sign of the Merlin that's apparently been in the area during the past week.

  "In DeKorte:  Downy Woodpecker, White-throated Sparrows, Canvasbacks, Buffleheads, Mallards, Gadwall, Canada Geese (couldn't get good enough views to look for the possible Cackling Goose), Northern Harrier.

   "On Disposal Road: several Northern Harriers, White-throated Sparrows and two surprises: a pair of White-crowned Sparrows and a Yellow-rumped Warbler." (Thanks, Julie!)

    Happy New Year from a (currently) snowy Meadowlands. Looked for the shrike but he may be taking a snow day.

     This immature Merlin was seen eating brunch along Valley Brook Road in Lyndhurst today, about 50 yards outside DeKorte.

    Lots of Northern Harriers and Redtails around as well.

  This Sunday at 10 a.m. is the next First-Sunday-of-the-Month Bird Walk with Bergen County Audubon Society.

  This free two-hour nature walk starts outside the Meadowlands Environment Center in DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst .

  We’ll walk around the 110-park, looking for wintering waterfowl and other birds, and likely head out Disposal Road to look for the Northern Shrike.

   To rsvp, contact Don Torino of the BCAS at greatauk4@aol.com.