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October 01, 2005
Birdwatching in the Meadowlands
One of my favorite shopping spots is in NJ and I pass by the Meadowlands on my way there. Passing through the Meadowlands, I frequently look out the window at the landscape--a mixture of the industrial and natural but what catches my attention are the wetlands. I really like wetlands for some reason and I always wished I could go out there to look at birds. When I read an article in the New York Times about groups in New Jersey that lead such tours, I was excited. I immediately booked a spot on one of these boat rides which Adam and I went on today. First off, I have to say Secaucus is a strange town--the very new-looking train station and the city were eerily empty. But then we got to the park where we were meeting and I took this shots.
We boarded the boat and this is what we did a good part of the trip.
The tour was nice, relaxing, a nice break from the city and the stress of a busy work week. It was actually a lot longer than I had thought (about two hours) and our tour guide talked, a lot, but it was still enjoyable. He described the history of the natural Meadowlands and developments that line the Meadowlands and the Hackensack River like this former landfill that was placed right up against the river.
This residential complex was set further back from the water but I just thought the shape of the complex was pretty unusual.
We passed under this interesting draw bridge. I can't describe how it works but I know that the cement block helps to raise the bridge.
Unfortunately, all the birds I wanted to see up close like the egrets and the herons flew away as our boat approached so, not having a telephoto lens, I wasn't able to get any really good shots. Here's one of an egret flying away.
I would like to try this one day.
The cormorants say, "So long! Hope you enjoyed the trip!"
Posted by Jennifer at October 1, 2005 09:55 PM