Sharon and I ventured southwards to New Jersey and the Meadowlands today. What an unexpected but delightful surprise! We had heard of the great habitat, but we were a bit wary of a "natural" environment that close to New York City. And yet, with the city skyline in the background, here was a wonderful place for shorebirds, migratory songbirds, raptors, gulls, terns, and on and on. The day we chose to first bird this oasis, the temperatures were in the low 90's and by the time we arrived it was close to mid-day. In spite of these adverse conditions, we found what we new would become a "regular" on our places to visit. I've long been trying to get a good close-up shot of a marsh wren, but they will constantly tease you.....calling and chortling within 10 feet of you , but remaining hidden in the reeds. Finally, while working out of one of the several photo blinds provided along the boardwalk, one of the wrens flitted to the top of the reeds and began to call. What an opportunity. Along with a number of peeps (mostly Least sandpipers) we had plenty of waterfowl. We know that as Fall approaches, the numbers of migrants will increase drastically, so we plan on revisiting the site in the not-so-distant future.
