Louis Balboa shared these recent Disposal Road shots. including the American Kestrel above.

Not to dwell on the food chain, but can anyone ID what the Northern Harrier is eating? (Thanks, Louis!)

Ron Shields took this sunset shot from Disposal Road last week. (Thanks, Ron!)

Five years ago, as part of the N.J. Meadowlands Commission’s Oral History Project, we interviewed lots of folks about the region in the old days. We are going to reprint the best of them here, every Tuesday, for 11 weeks. This week: Don Smith. 

Note: Don is giving a talk about the region’s marshes this Sunday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Meadowlands Environment Center. Scroll down for more info.

Don Smith, born and raised in Little Ferry, is a long-time naturalist who knows the Hackensack River and its marshes better than just about anyone.

Don has been with the Meadowlands Commission for most of its 40-year history.

In this audio interview, Don has plenty to say about his childhood, his efforts to fight pollution and save wetlands, and some of the challenges the commission faced — especially in the early years.

Click “Continue reading…” immediately below to hear Don’s comments. Continue reading →

This week’s Meadowlands Environment Center talks feature two of our favorite topics, Albert Einstein and the marshes of the Meadowlands.

On Tuesday afternoon, MEC educator Dr. Victoria Madden will tell you all about the amazing scientist, and on Sunday afternoon longtime NJMC naturalist Don Smith will talk about the region’s amazing wetlands.  Best to register in advance.

Information on both events follows.
Continue reading →

Chris Takacs writes:

Got a distant cropped photo of Eurasian Green-winged Teal today at River Barge Park. Other birds of note, Redhead pair, American Coot, and Lesser Scaup, all on river by the boat docks.

(Thanks, Chris!)

Please note: The Meadowlands Environment Center in DeKorte Park now has limited access on weekends.

As always, the park itself will remain open from dawn to dusk, and a park attendant will be on site and available if you need assistance.

The Environment Center will continue to be open on weekends for regularly scheduled walks and programs. Continue reading →

A quick visit to Laurel Hill earlier this week found a totally rebuilt Common Ravens’ nest and two Common ravens nearby.

Ravens last nested here in 2011, and the nest was totally washed away by Hurricane Sandy in the fall of 2012.

The photos below show each of the ravens perched on a different light pole at Laurel Hill, plus a very large mystery bird in the distance. ID help would be appreciated. It appeared to be an adult, and an older one at that.

Dennis Cheeseman photographed this female Red-breasted Merganser in Teal Pool near the parking lot yesterday.  (Thanks, Dennis!)

To prove that spring must be around the corner, we are pleased to remind you of two upcoming walks — an American Woodcock walk in late afternoon on Saint Patrick’s Day (Monday, March 17) and a Harrier Meadow walk at 10 a.m. on Tuesday March 18.  The Woodcock Walk is at Laurel Hill — we’ll look for Common ravens as well.

(To be clear: We will not be taking any woodcocks for a walk on March 17; we’ll be taking a walk to hear them peent and watch their courtship display. We are foolishly hoping the snow and cold weather are gone by then.  Last year’s walk was cancelled because of rain, but 2012’s walk was pretty cool.)

Details follow.

Continue reading →

Stephen Buckingham writes:

I witnessed a standoff by Disposal Road this past weekend between a Red-tail and an opossum.  The Red-tail wanted to eat the opossum, but after fluttering around the opossum trying to figure out whether it was a good idea to move in for the kill, the Red-tail thought better of it and left.

Thanks, Steve!