3rd Annual Meadowlands Festival Of Birding

September 16 & 17!

Keynote Presentation on the Ivory Billed Woodpecker by

Noted Ornithologist Jim Fitzpatrick

 

Join us in celebrating the nation’s fastest growing outdoor pastime in one of New Jersey's most important birding areas. The New Jersey Meadowlands are truly an urban oasis.  Containing over 8,000 acres of valuable wetland habitat, the Meadowlands are home to over 280 species of birds.

 

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.  Overhead, we might see Red-tailed hawks and (if we are lucky) spectacular Peregrine falcons.

 

We’ve expanded the Festival this year to include an extended line-up of field trips for Sunday.. The Festival’s expert leaders are eager to share the joy of birding with all participants, novice and expert, old and young alike. Be sure not to miss noted ornithologist Jim Fitzpatrick’s keynote address on the Ivory Billed Woodpecker - Jim is one of only a few people to have made a confirmed sighting of this rare species. Take time to visit the exhibits and the nature store, and above all, enjoy the birds!

 

Field Trip Descriptions

 

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.

 

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. By pre-registration only.

 

Birding Harrier Meadow, Richard W. DeKorte Park

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 three years ago and is an excellent fall migrant hotspot. Expect shorebirds, waterfowl, herons, egrets, and perhaps hunting raptors.

 

Celery Farm

A neat mix of woodland, meadows, marsh, and a natural spring-fed pond with a surface area of almost an acre. A 1.25 mile nature trail winds around a central marshy area of purple loose-strife, giant reed, and cattails, with birding observations platforms.

 

Liberty State Park

One of the best birding spots in NJ, the Park features habitat for sparrows and other migrant landbirds, and terrific waterbirding for ducks, shorebirds, gulls and terns.

 

Palisades Interstate Park, State Line 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. The Lookout hosts an annual Fall Hawk Watch.

 

Indoor Program Descriptions

 

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 the importance of backyard habitats and native plants to wildlife.

 

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.

 

Birding Basics

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

 

Colonial Nesting Birds–Our Coastal Gems

A look at our colonial nesting herons, egrets, terns and gulls featuring slides taken by some of America’s best nature photographers. Get acquainted with these birds in their breeding plumage and learn about their natural history.

 

Rapp’n with Raptors with Tenafly Nature Center

Participants will observe live raptors up close and learn about their behavior, physiology, adaptations, ecological importance and natural history. Hands-on demonstrations will capture the imagination of young and old.

 

All Day Saturday at the Festival

(Sunday will be off-site field trips only!)

 

In the Visitor Center:

 

·       Nature and Birding Store - field guides, binoculars and expert help

·       Exhibits - by festival partners

·       Loaner binoculars available at the registration desk; credit card required

·       Interactive Learning Center and Gallery

 

What You Need to Know

 

Programs & Field Trips: Your admission gives you the freedom to choose from among all the field trips and programs listed in the schedule. All indoor programs will be held in the Environment Center Auditorium.

 

Boat Trips: You must pre-register for the boat trips at the registration desk on Saturday morning (no additional fee) – first come, first served. No reservations for boat trips will be taken prior to the day of the festival. If you participate in the “Early Bird” field trip on Saturday morning and wish to register for the morning boating trip, you may call 201-832-9432 after 8:30 am on Saturday to register.

 

Food & Drink: Continental breakfast will be available through 11:30 am A complimentary buffet of sandwiches (with vegetarian options) and drinks will be provided for lunch. You are welcome to bring your own food. No alcoholic beverages are permitted.

 

Interested Children: age 10 and up (accompanied by an adult) are welcome at the festival.

 

Announcements and Jim Fitzpatrick’s Keynote Address: begin at 1:00 p.m. in the auditorium!

 

Sunday’s Activities consist only of field trips; there will be no activities at the Environment Center on Sunday!

 

Official Hotel of the Meadowlands Festival of Birding: Courtyard by Marriot in Lyndhurst, 800-321-2211. Special rate of $89 per night for festival attendees until September 1; mention the festival to get this rate.