The North American Butterfly Association's walk at DeKorte on Sunday was canceled at the last minute because of a forecast of heavy rain, but several people didn't get the memo.   

    Although skies often grew dark, the group of a half-dozen went on a three-hour walk around the 110-acre in search of bugs that do not like particularly like cloudy weather.  

    Walk leader Tom Halliwell, knowledgable about butterflies and the plants that attract and host them, helped the group spot and identify at least 15 species of butterflies over an incredibly informative three-hour walk — pretty good for an overcast day.    

   Click "Continue reading …" for the full list, a solid Web site for bug info and more butterfly pix.

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  We saw this guy last week while we were photographing butterflies at DeKorte. He flew right up to have his photo taken.

   Took this shot 10 minutes ago.  We have had a Hummingbird Clearwing Moth at our butterfly bushes five days in a row. Just sayin' …

   (Let's hope they all stick around for Sunday's butterfly walk!)

  Had an immature Common Loon floating down the Hackensack River near Saw Mill Creek Wildlife Management Area this morning. A drifter, no doubt.

     Renowned bird photographer and author Kevin Karlson will offer a full day of free programs at DeKorte Park, home of the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission (NJMC), on Saturday, Aug. 22. 

   The event, sponsored by the NJMC as part of its 40th anniversary celebration, will kick off with a shorebird walk along DeKorte’s amazing mudflats at 8:30 a.m.    

   Next is a free seminar on identifying these marvelous migrants. After a lunch break, Karlson will present his acclaimed slideshow, “Birds on the Wind.”   

  Karlson has been a wildlife photographer for 28 years and active as a birder for even longer. He has traveled from the wilds of the Alaskan Arctic to the rainforests of South America to photograph birds. His work is widely published in numerous birding magazines and journals, as well as books, field guides, calendars and electronic media.

   Click "Continue reading…" to see one of Kevin's photos and to get the complete schedule and more information.

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    This shot was taken one sunny morning last week, with some great Hibiscus flowers in bloom. Not much bird activity — saw a couple of Peeps flying.

   The North Jersey chapter of the North American Butterfly Association is conducting a butterfly walk at DeKorte Park on Sunday, August 9, from 9:30 to noon (approximately). It is free and open to the public, and children are welcome.    

   Stay as long as you like. Meet in the first parking lot (just past the park entrance). Rain cancels.

   For more information and directions to DeKorte Park, e-mail Jim Wright of the Meadowlands Commission at jim.wright@njmeadowlands.gov