2nd Annual Meadowlands Festival of Birding Set for September 17

Don’t Miss Keynote Speaker Marie Winn On The Central Park Red-Tail Hawks

 

Hackensack Riverkeeper® in partnership with the New Jersey Audubon Society (NJAS) and the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission (NJMC), is inviting everyone to the 2nd Annual New Jersey Meadowlands Festival of Birding. Set for Saturday, September 17, the event will take place at the Meadowlands Environment Center in Lyndhurst. The NJMC also provided a generous grant to underwrite a portion of the festival.

“The month of September is a great time for birding in the Meadowlands, as ducks, landbirds, and shorebirds wing their way south, and herons and egrets stalk the shallows,” said Captain Bill Sheehan, executive director of Hackensack Riverkeeper. “Overhead, we might see Red-tailed hawks and (if we are lucky) spectacular Peregrine falcons.”

 

Some of the activities planned for the Festival (which will be held rain or shine) include:

·       Bird walks led by NJAS guides through DeKorte Park and the Sawmill Creek Wildlife Management Area;

·       Marsh birding aboard Hackensack Riverkeeper’s pontoon boats;

·       Environmental displays and exhibits;

·       Nature films in the Environment Center’s theatre;

·       Special activities for kids;

·       Workshops on where to go birding, choosing binoculars, creating backyard habitats, birdhouse building and more!

·       A special field trip on Sunday, September 18, to Palisades Interstate Park Stateline Lookout for a Warbler Walk at 8 a.m. and a Hawk Watch at 10 p.m.

 

The Festival will have something for everyone, whether you’ve been birding for decades or just thinking about getting your first pair of binoculars. Advance tickets, which include admission to all activities and lunch, cost $20 ($30 at the door) and are available from Hackensack Riverkeeper by calling 201-968-0808 or on the web at www.HackensackRiverkeeper.org. Those under age 18 are free.

 

Programs & Field Trips: Your admission allows you to choose among all the field trips. Popular programs and field trips fill quickly, so arrive early to secure your spot.

 

Food & Drink: Complimentary continental breakfast will be available through noon. A complimentary buffet of sandwiches (with vegetarian options) and drinks will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own snacks and water. No alcoholic beverages are permitted.

 

INDOOR PROGRAMS

Backyard Habitats for Birds, Butterflies, and Other Wildlife

Bird feeders and butterfly gardens are great ways to attract wildlife to your yard, but they are only the beginning.  Learn about the importance of backyard habitats and native plants to wildlife.

 

Backyard Birds & Bird Feeding

Learn about different types of feeders and the birds they attract, the do’s and don’ts of putting up feeders, and how to deal with the challenges presented by squirrels, cats, and hawks.

 

Binoculars & Spotting Scopes for Birders: The numbers and terminology relating to optics can be intimidating.  An optics expert will walk you through the lingo. Side-by-side comparisons of the bins and scopes best suited for birding.

 

Birdhouse Building for Kids: Participate in this hands-on workshop and build your own birdhouse. Learn which birds use nest boxes and why. Instructions and kit provided. Ages 3 and up, under 7 accompanied by an adult. 

 

Birding Basics: Learn how to use a field guide, how to choose and use binoculars, and most importantly, how to identify birds. 

 

Birding for Kids: A kid’s-eye view of bird watching.  Fun activities to get acquainted with our feathered friends. Open to children 7-12, adults welcome. 

 

A Suburban Wildlife Refuge: The Celery Farm: The Celery Farm, a unique area of wetlands, woods and wildlife just north of the Meadowlands, is a favorite of birders. 

 

Terrific Turtles: Through hands-on activities, art and games, learn about turtles and their life cycles. Meet the Meadowlands Environment Center’s resident turtle “Stinky” and learn how she eats, breathes, and protects herself. Ages 3 and up, under 7 accompanied by an adult. 

 

Wild Journeys - Bird Migration in New Jersey: This program delves into the mysteries and mechanics of bird migration through NJ.

 

FIELD TRIPS

Birding at Richard W. DeKorte Park: For all birders. We’ll search the thickets for sparrows, the flats for shorebirds, and the open water for ducks and grebes. Learn the basics, from how to use binoculars to field marks, with excellent, patient leaders. All questions are welcome.

 

Birding by Boat: These birding cruises are fun and educational tours of the Hackensack River and Meadowlands. See tidal areas of the River, several creeks, and abundant wildlife. All aboard comfortable pontoon cruisers.

 

Birding Harrier Meadow: A special opportunity to visit this area, which is otherwise closed to the public. A unique 77 acre wetlands enhancement site with high marsh, meadows and impounded areas, surrounded by mudflats.

 

Birding the Mill Creek Marsh Trail: The Meadowland’s newest birding trail was opened just two years ago and is an excellent September hotspot. Expect shorebirds, waterfowl, herons, egrets, and perhaps hunting raptors.

 

Family Birding at Richard W. DeKorte Park: For all ages (children under 12 accompanied by an adult). We’ll make sure everyone, young and old, gets to see birds.

 

Liberty State Park: This park features habitat for sparrows and other migrant landbirds, and terrific waterbirding for ducks, shorebirds, gulls and terns.

 

Palisades Interstate Park, Stateline Lookout: Situated at the highest point on the Palisades Cliffs (elevation 532 feet), Point Lookout at State Line Lookout commands unparalleled views of the Hudson and Westchester County, and on to the Long Island Sound.

 

Don’t Miss Marie Winn’s Keynote, “Red-Tails in Love”

1:00 - 2:00 p.m. in the Auditorium

The highlight of the day will be a keynote address delivered at 1:00 p.m. by Marie Winn, author of Red-Tails in Love, about the famous Fifth Avenue hawks. Pale Male and Lola gained worldwide attention last winter when the tony high-rise on which they nested removed the pair’s home. After much protest from birders around the world, the high-rise’s management allowed the birds to rebuild the nest.  You can read about it on her website, http://www.mariewinn.com.