Join birders from across New Jersey and beyond at the Seventh Annual New Jersey Meadowlands Festival of Birding! A true urban oasis, the NJ Meadowlands contain over 8,000 acres of valuable wetland habitat, is home to over 280 species of birds, and is a designated Important Bird & Birding Area.
The festival is scheduled for Saturday & Sunday September 11 & 12, 2010. September is a prime month for birding the Meadowlands: resident herons and egrets fish the shallows while migrant ducks, shorebirds, and songbirds stop to feed and rest during southbound migration. In the skies above, we might observe raptors such as Red-tailed Hawks, Ospreys, and Peregrine Falcons. Last year's sightings included a young White Ibis and a migrant Hudsonian Godwit, so one never knows what feathered gems may be found! Field trip destinations include Richard W. DeKorte Park, beautiful Harrier Meadow-an area normally closed to the public, Allendale Celery Farm, Liberty State Park, plus paddling at the Secaucus salt marshes and Hackensack River excursions aboard a comfortable pontoon cruiser. Scroll below for more information.
Peregrine Falcons have become "urban raptors" with pairs nesting on many bridges & buildings in the New York Metro area; they can often be viewed in the meadowlands as they hunt pigeons, ducks, and other birds. Photo courtesy of Mike Fahay.
This year's festival includes a full lineup of field trips on Saturday and Sunday and a keynote program by Richard Crossley, author of "The Shorebird Guide" and well-known Cape May birder. Knowledgeable and friendly tour leaders from New Jersey Audubon Society are eager to share the joy of birding with you-novice and expert alike. Be sure to save time to visit the exhibits and the Nature Store. Above all, enjoy the birds!
For more information or to register go to http://www.hackensackriverkeeper.org/BirdFest10.htm or call 201-968-0808 weekdays 10 am-6 pm.
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