tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41582926889297600602023-11-16T02:59:42.449-08:00Friends of Garret Mountain ReservationTo help preserve, protect, and enhance the natural beauty of Garret Mountain Reservation and Rifle Camp Park, in cooperation with Passaic County officials, recognizing the hemispheric significance of the varied wildlife habitats for migrating birds in these public lands.Americanchrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03672314972216651426noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158292688929760060.post-80092805119672175562016-10-20T17:53:00.001-07:002016-10-20T17:53:46.419-07:00<h3 class="post-title entry-title">
<a href="http://friendsofgarretmountain.blogspot.com/2014/05/friends-of-garret-mountain-reservation.html">Friends of Garret Facebook page</a>
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Friends of Garret Mountain Reservation is now on Facebook. Find us here <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/238256699670035/">FACEBOOK PAGE</a>Americanchrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03672314972216651426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158292688929760060.post-90969495831481847412016-03-03T05:18:00.000-08:002016-03-03T05:20:47.348-08:00Tree Cutting and Removal at Garret Mountain ReservationMore tree cutting is being done at Garret Mountain Reservation. There seems to be an agenda to remove trees before they fall on people. It's being done to make the park safer for us. This ludicrous plan is destroying critical habitat for the sake of giving the county tree cutters some work. There's a bunch of work needed in the park but removing healthy trees because they are close to picnic areas, trails or roads is just plain ignorant. We have reported some of the problems at our Facebook page with more information and photos to follow. This is a tree scheduled for removal or severe pruning.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKDh8U9nrQqiAFLUdCddPCc3ciUSFKoV40ffV2OvDfowi9upxBosUDVttplSLoOdTMxXefDwjIvhqWog2SddmQctmP3-JjwJwAP_C6EXB0RBfhgQJCuIh1E9CeeaP59hplTDr2LM5q2A/s1600/20160301_121346-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKDh8U9nrQqiAFLUdCddPCc3ciUSFKoV40ffV2OvDfowi9upxBosUDVttplSLoOdTMxXefDwjIvhqWog2SddmQctmP3-JjwJwAP_C6EXB0RBfhgQJCuIh1E9CeeaP59hplTDr2LM5q2A/s320/20160301_121346-1.jpg" /></a></div>Follow this story on our Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/238256699670035/">FACEBOOK PAGE</a>Americanchrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03672314972216651426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158292688929760060.post-55072953619781251972016-03-03T05:06:00.001-08:002016-03-03T05:06:52.092-08:00Friends of Garret Facebook Posts<div class="_6a _5u5j _6b">
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<span><span class="fsm fwn fcg"><a class="_5pcq" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/238256699670035/permalink/553704571458578/" target=""><abbr class="_5ptz" data-shorten="1" data-utime="1456777094" title="Monday, February 29, 2016 at 3:18pm"><span class="timestampContent" id="js_2">February 29 at 3:18pm</span></abbr></a></span></span></div>
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I was up at Garret today and to be honest I am at a loss as to what the
great plan is for the park. They seem to be trying to cut down every
tree is sight. There are trees all marked for cutting all around the
Crows nest. <br /> I later found the culprit of the tree marking. Standing
beside his truck on a pedestrian walkway south of the warming room and
near the junction of the stream trail and the trail that goes off to the
east. I asked him what was going on and he explained that he was
marking trees to protect walkers from deadly beams that could fall and
hit someone. His only solution I can see is to remove every tree that is
close to the paths as they have recently made wider so trucks could
navigate around the park. I asked him sarcastic " Who in the management
used to work for a Golf course" He immediately answer himself. He than
asked why and said it was obviously his ambition was to make the park a
treeless golf course. He then explained he had been on a forestry
course. I think they need to send him back on a county park Wildlife
preservation course. This man is single handedly destroying the habitat
in the park. When asked about all the trees he is marking he told me
they are invasive, which is true. However the point being he is taking
them away but doing nothing about replanting or deer eradication. { They
have planted 4 trees up at the top and a few near the entrance} They
seem to have no concept of the wildlife potential of dead or dying
standing wood, woodpeckers, owls, insects, beetles and other wildlife
use this for years. We then had a stand off about Emerald Ash Borer and
the chance of them returning after an infestation. I have had first hand
experience as I called an Arboriculturists to cut one of my own trees
down as it looked dead " I was told and it has since been to shown to be
true they can come back" <br /> <a href="http://www.ncforestservice.gov/forest_health/fh_eabfaq.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.ncforestservice.gov/forest_health/fh_eabfaq.htm</a><br />
Clipped here >>>Insecticides are available for those wishing
to protect high-value ornamental trees, an option recommended when the
beetle is known to be within 15 miles of the tree. If a tree is already
infested and over half the crown is still alive, insecticides may be
used therapeutically to help trees recover. Recovery is slow and
improvement in tree health might not be noticeable for one to two years.
Re-treatment must take place every one to two years. <<< Mine
came back without insecticides.<br />
I see no planning going on here,
just removal of trees and hoarding of wood chips in the upper dump.
Gravel paths are a complete and utter nonsense. They lay down a new
ground cover every time we get a heavy rain and it all washes away with
the next rain into streams or forest and the answer is to re application
of more gravel. <br /> I have been going to Garret mountain since 1992
and have bird 20,000 records of birds since then, I am not a new comer
to Garret. I have watched it change with the deer eating everything
below browse height and now there is hardly any under story. I see the
expansion of the stables into the forest and the obvious destruction of
those trees by horse browse. I also believe they used the county workers
to the removal, I have photos! I think however the biggest danger to
the Garret Mtn parks trees is this incompetent person who is marking
trees for removal.<br /> You have to remember we have had several huge
storm taking trees down in the last few years the last thing we now need
is unnecessary removal of any tree without adequate provision for the
future.<br /> I also saw three felling experts going 8 trees into the
woods and just doing a TIMBER ! felling crashing through many healthy
trees just to get paid for the removal of said dangerous trees. I was
told by this person it was not his guys, great news but it happened and
no one was there to supervise that new damage to the healthy trees. <br /> I have almost given up hope of the park ever regaining its health.</div>
<span></span><span><a class="comment_link _5yxe" data-ft="{ "tn": "S", "type": 24 }" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/238256699670035/permalink/553704571458578/#" role="button" title="Leave a comment"></a></span><span><a class="share_action_link _5f9b" data-ft="{ "tn": "J", "type": 25 }" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/238256699670035/permalink/553704571458578/#" title="Send this to friends or post it on your timeline."><span></span></a></span>Americanchrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03672314972216651426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158292688929760060.post-74449190182535948572014-05-17T13:24:00.004-07:002014-05-17T13:31:04.730-07:00Friends of Garret Facebook pageFriends of Garret Mountain Reservation is now on Facebook. Find us here <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/238256699670035/">FACEBOOK PAGE</a>Americanchrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03672314972216651426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158292688929760060.post-82653663055800336452014-05-16T16:45:00.000-07:002014-05-16T16:47:12.385-07:00Swainson's Warbler, a breeder from the southeast US and very rare to Northern NJ showed up today at Garret. Found by Bruce McWhorter and later seen by loads of birders. First ever sighting of this bird on Garret Mountain.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7anna2LW12x9r-VZghnlf5-5WL1a9VPeZWyRhPdhJyFFNiHQcAJXagewhrypkcZrgBKJ5P7rJAWl3Rr2UuDRBUsW6-60WlZwEDoILrERBSL_spBbOmAjbE7S_FwYsQKqULQpp7aYKdUs/s1600/Swainson's+Warbler+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7anna2LW12x9r-VZghnlf5-5WL1a9VPeZWyRhPdhJyFFNiHQcAJXagewhrypkcZrgBKJ5P7rJAWl3Rr2UuDRBUsW6-60WlZwEDoILrERBSL_spBbOmAjbE7S_FwYsQKqULQpp7aYKdUs/s400/Swainson's+Warbler+5.jpg" /></a></div>Americanchrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03672314972216651426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158292688929760060.post-15350400802283592772014-04-15T17:53:00.000-07:002014-04-15T17:54:32.896-07:00MeetingsThe Friends of Garret Mountain meeting is this Saturday, April 19th 11:00am
To be held at Rifle Camp Nature Center.
For anyone that can go – Passaic Valley Water Commission is holding their regularly scheduled meeting 4/16/14 at 9:30am, at the PVWC offices at 1525 Main Ave. in Clifton. The meeting is open to the public and you can ask the commissioners about any issue, including their plans for the reservoirs.Americanchrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03672314972216651426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158292688929760060.post-9940786961525009532013-11-18T15:57:00.003-08:002013-11-18T15:57:35.529-08:00Friends of Garret Mountain Reservation meeting Nov. 23Friends of Garret Mountain Reservation will be having a meeting on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23rd
The meeting will begin at 11:00am - at the RIFLE CAMP NATURE CENTER
(note: this is the weekend before Thanksgiving)Americanchrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03672314972216651426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158292688929760060.post-50107165821684967562012-05-19T03:19:00.000-07:002012-05-19T03:27:15.329-07:00Say goodbye to Garret's reservoirs!!Under federal mandate PVWC will replace the reservoirs on Garret Mountain with beautiful concrete water tanks. Read the full "story" here <a href="http://www.northjersey.com/news/152124285_Garret_Mountains_lakefront_property_will_soon_face_giant_water_tanks.html">Reservoirs</a>Americanchrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03672314972216651426noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158292688929760060.post-68735387301735876542012-03-12T11:46:00.003-07:002012-03-12T11:51:19.823-07:00Birds are coming in<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3EuQXasbLmhhm8P1HClrb4S0A7PUMaZYw6N4QZ-F642_XBOyq7EiUoQFUe6ud_NgUzOGumTJF4NCj39k-YcEceWmkFomQ6_IVy80emEEZ1Q-xhCfqwndXZRg6HX2CLh2zVOxfsdaRws/s1600/RNDU.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 261px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3EuQXasbLmhhm8P1HClrb4S0A7PUMaZYw6N4QZ-F642_XBOyq7EiUoQFUe6ud_NgUzOGumTJF4NCj39k-YcEceWmkFomQ6_IVy80emEEZ1Q-xhCfqwndXZRg6HX2CLh2zVOxfsdaRws/s400/RNDU.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719084481149942466" /></a><br />10+ Phoebes, 12+ Fox Sparrows joined 150+ Juncos and 100+ Robins around Garret Mountain Reservation today. Bluebirds were seen in the trees of the Overlook Meadow, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was seen off the white trail near Rocky Hollow Picnic area. 35-40 species total were seen. Turtles are out on Barbour's Pond. 2 Ring-necked Ducks on the pond are actually showing the ringed neck. County trail work continues throughout the park. There's still much more to be done.Americanchrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03672314972216651426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158292688929760060.post-41334342449868292442012-03-10T03:34:00.006-08:002012-03-10T05:00:09.577-08:00It's tick season!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XcUhUlk2DN7PO69jQXtZG5cO7wajszZ7MsNxScRHytTW00XDcUTQyGaqcqCJxZACa6rVxSTCz6dnUT4OacSSY9u03MCj8T8BAQSyGJNPI60sMwh9RARtLwGaNHxnJJEYImADH9ndZbg/s1600/brown_dog_tick.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 144px; height: 122px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XcUhUlk2DN7PO69jQXtZG5cO7wajszZ7MsNxScRHytTW00XDcUTQyGaqcqCJxZACa6rVxSTCz6dnUT4OacSSY9u03MCj8T8BAQSyGJNPI60sMwh9RARtLwGaNHxnJJEYImADH9ndZbg/s400/brown_dog_tick.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718252467925871138" /></a><br />As the weather warms, ticks come out. Take precautions to avoid tick bites.<br />Preventing Tick Bites<br /><br />While it is a good idea to take preventive measures against ticks year-round, be extra vigilant in warmer months (April-September) when ticks are most active.<br />Avoid Direct Contact with Ticks<br /><br /> Avoid wooded and bushy areas with high grass and leaf litter.<br /> Walk in the center of trails.<br /><br />Repel Ticks with DEET or Permethrin<br /><br /> Use repellents that contain 20% or more DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) on the exposed skin for protection that lasts up to several hours. Always follow product instructions. Parents should apply this product to their children, avoiding hands, eyes, and mouth.<br /> Use products that contain permethrin on clothing. Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents. It remains protective through several washings. Pre-treated clothing is available and remains protective for up to 70 washings.<br /> Other repellents registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may be found at http://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect/.External Web Site Icon<br /><br />Find and Remove Ticks from Your Body<br /><br /> Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors (preferably within two hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks that are crawling on you.<br /> Conduct a full-body tick check using a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body upon return from tick-infested areas. Parents should check their children for ticks under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, between the legs, around the waist, and especially in their hair.<br /> Examine gear and pets. Ticks can ride into the home on clothing and pets, then attach to a person later, so carefully examine pets, coats, and day packs. Tumble clothes in a dryer on high heat for an hour to kill remaining ticks.<br /><br /><br /> Here are links to ticks and the diseases they can cause. <br /> <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/ticks/geographic_distribution.html">DEER TICKS</a> <br /> <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/ticks/diseases/">TICKBORNE DISEASES</a>Americanchrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03672314972216651426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158292688929760060.post-85257038378603926102012-03-09T04:08:00.002-08:002012-03-09T04:18:11.748-08:00Some migration begins<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ91oRIEXB8uU7lN_CwftdXoHT7x6npI_HzRuOtsi7IvkbAKdNDCttCqqGlUexKcDWX5ePAItI7t-dPVJ8rL1Wkha55h4oZurg7G7FbQWv7vJkaAJrIc0DMtZruhyKGWx0VXKzHZG6R6o/s1600/Woodcock.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 231px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ91oRIEXB8uU7lN_CwftdXoHT7x6npI_HzRuOtsi7IvkbAKdNDCttCqqGlUexKcDWX5ePAItI7t-dPVJ8rL1Wkha55h4oZurg7G7FbQWv7vJkaAJrIc0DMtZruhyKGWx0VXKzHZG6R6o/s320/Woodcock.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717870560836873154" /></a><br />There have been some reports of spring migration beginning. Eastern Pheobe has been spotted as well a a couple of Woodcocks. Red-shouldered Hawk was seen high over the mountain heading north this week. I'll try to update sightings as the migration moves along. It's still a bit slow. The female Hooded Merganser from this past autumn is still on Barbour's Pond. A highlight from the winter was a new Garret Mountain bird - Cackling Goose, which spent a couple of weeks here even being tallied on the Christmas Count. Photo of the Woodcock is from the area between the stables and the dump.Americanchrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03672314972216651426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158292688929760060.post-37788046696754512992011-04-13T03:59:00.000-07:002011-04-13T04:03:42.544-07:00Palms, Pines and Yellow-rumpsPalms, Pines and Yellow-rumps seemed to be the birds around Barbour's Pond yesterday before the rains came. Some Common Loons were flying over. Chipping Sparrows were seen in a few flocks of 30-40 birds. Many more White-throated Sparrows were seen in the park as well. Construction crews are working on replacing the old wood and concrete benches in the reservation. Work is currently being done in the field just south of Lambert's Observation Tower.Americanchrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03672314972216651426noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158292688929760060.post-39023807744320368112011-04-08T02:55:00.000-07:002011-04-08T03:03:44.874-07:006 Warbler species still here<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnD0h3L7XJra8Za1CJSXPFG5bAkfYeP6Ifa7mFxS_meluSPgTW-y6Yy-Co8S59hfvRI66A4EnitcG6YcwumtATGo8WaGQ5wd1QsOFUMYPI0ND_04kbH55Lg1MgeooZqsaLuTaLhmbzsE/s1600/NorthernParula1_WEB.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 249px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnD0h3L7XJra8Za1CJSXPFG5bAkfYeP6Ifa7mFxS_meluSPgTW-y6Yy-Co8S59hfvRI66A4EnitcG6YcwumtATGo8WaGQ5wd1QsOFUMYPI0ND_04kbH55Lg1MgeooZqsaLuTaLhmbzsE/s320/NorthernParula1_WEB.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593151184803647890" /></a><br />All six Warbler species seen on Wednesday were still at Garret on Thursday. Many Pine and Palm Warblers were still seen around Barbour's Pond. Brown Creepers, Kinglets and Phoebes were still present in good numbers. Sapsuckers and Flickers were seen around Barbour's Pond and some of the higher elevations of the park. 5 Pied-billed Grebes were seen on Great Notch Reservoir on Wednesday morning with 2 Great Blue herons, 2 Common Mergansers, 8 Ring-necked Ducks, 2 Buffleheads and a few Hooded Mergansers. Levine Reservoir had 8 Buffleheads and a handful of Killdeer. Today's photo of Northern Parula is courtesy of Kevin Bolton. Thanks Kevin!Americanchrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03672314972216651426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158292688929760060.post-67182480503653569562011-04-06T11:03:00.000-07:002011-04-06T11:07:20.659-07:00Another Banner Day for Birds<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieteFRhlUt8FF0v3aDE3KFl5Ljj9LO8SqYJScxpdZWkuKZQQK2bk_ipGMoG20c-ibVoSF43mOZ19kWqD0rkySRKrkRxzKfc44cMb5TzYcgE-dlOMFFgxkBqWO6zKZRLuZ7rpSxsmZeAzo/s1600/prairie+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieteFRhlUt8FF0v3aDE3KFl5Ljj9LO8SqYJScxpdZWkuKZQQK2bk_ipGMoG20c-ibVoSF43mOZ19kWqD0rkySRKrkRxzKfc44cMb5TzYcgE-dlOMFFgxkBqWO6zKZRLuZ7rpSxsmZeAzo/s320/prairie+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592533674460852306" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlkCAfBSqS80Z-qbR4ESFaCY_J1EFCAonQRB2E6RsdLBgLtyO6xJQ9l2dE7yofiqB1oqML4QxpaV-VUWdws4MQ_rrq9qBlLH8BVKdjj6ushMq7Qlg8x57NB1Xxj9Y1aTsfZCH6TTxta4w/s1600/prairie+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlkCAfBSqS80Z-qbR4ESFaCY_J1EFCAonQRB2E6RsdLBgLtyO6xJQ9l2dE7yofiqB1oqML4QxpaV-VUWdws4MQ_rrq9qBlLH8BVKdjj6ushMq7Qlg8x57NB1Xxj9Y1aTsfZCH6TTxta4w/s320/prairie+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592533670316061058" /></a><br /><br />Today is the 3rd day in a row at Garret with great numbers of birds and a few new arrivals. Parula and Prairie Warbler were 2 more Warblers seen today, making 6 total species today. Barbour's Pond and Wilson Ave. were the hotbeds of activity today. 30+ Phoebes, 30+ Palm Warblers and 20+ Pine Warblers were seen on the sunny side of Barbour's Pond this morning. A Parula and a couple of Yellow-rumped Warblers as well as Brown Creepers and both kinglets were seen in the mix. Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers were still seen in good numbers around the park with 4 birds on Wilson Ave., 5 north of the basketball courts, and more in the higher elevations of the park. 20+ were seen again. Hermit Thrush numbers are increasing with at least 10 seen around. Winter Wrens were seen all over the park with at least 15 seen. Creepers numbered 15+ as well. Adult Bald Eagle, 2 Ospreys, Sharpie and Cooper's Hawk was some of the flyovers. Prairie Warbler photos were taken at the base of Wilson Ave.Americanchrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03672314972216651426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158292688929760060.post-16282247414476464192011-04-05T19:17:00.000-07:002011-04-05T19:39:50.802-07:004 Warblers and lots of Flickers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxuLfNvPt8AHxNz1E8SpWThorvCeIeTluGs9WtsndXPEWR2kdvO1TiPzFh0s_tIlEHyEXcorSIdFuAu2V0-FtnMb_BsOj8zQxPGl16yd-1hstFo4A2SqdN9Kb-9YWeCc6NH93-6A6sToI/s1600/PALM+WARBLER.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 219px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxuLfNvPt8AHxNz1E8SpWThorvCeIeTluGs9WtsndXPEWR2kdvO1TiPzFh0s_tIlEHyEXcorSIdFuAu2V0-FtnMb_BsOj8zQxPGl16yd-1hstFo4A2SqdN9Kb-9YWeCc6NH93-6A6sToI/s320/PALM+WARBLER.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592294643076635586" /></a><br />4 Warbler species were seen today at Garret with an influx of passerines coinciding with the rains in the late morning. Yellow-rumped Warblers joined the other 3 today. In the afternoon, Barbour's Pond area had 25+ Pine Warblers, 30+ Palm Warblers, 4-5 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 25+ Tree Swallows, 4-5 Northern Rough-winged Swallows and at least 1 Barn Swallow. FOS Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was seen on Wilson Ave. Northern Flickers were all around the park with numbers seen in the 50's. Over 50 Species were seen in the park today without a Hawk flight.<br />Other sightings<br />Ring-necked Duck 4<br />Hooded Merganser 4<br />Common Merganser 2<br />Double-crested Cormorant 1<br />Black Vulture 2<br />Turkey Vulture 3<br />Cooper's Hawk 1<br />Red-tailed Hawk 3<br />Killdeer 1<br />Wilson's Snipe 1<br />American Woodcock 1<br />Ring-billed Gull 1<br />Mourning Dove 2<br />Belted Kingfisher 1<br />Red-bellied Woodpecker 8<br />Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 15+<br />Downy Woodpecker 6<br />Hairy Woodpecker 2<br />Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 50+<br />Eastern Phoebe 18<br />Blue Jay 15<br />American Crow 3<br />Northern Rough-winged Swallow 4-5<br />Tree Swallow 25+<br />Barn Swallow 1<br />Black-capped Chickadee 4<br />Tufted Titmouse 2<br />White-breasted Nuthatch 3<br />Brown Creeper 8+<br />Winter Wren 6<br />Golden-crowned Kinglet 6<br />Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2<br />Eastern Bluebird 2<br />Hermit Thrush 5<br />American Robin 300+<br />Northern Mockingbird 3<br />Pine Warbler 25+<br />Palm Warbler (Yellow) 35+<br />Louisiana Waterthrush 1<br />Eastern Towhee 3<br />Chipping Sparrow 75<br />Fox Sparrow 6<br />Swamp Sparrow 6<br />White-throated Sparrow 1<br />Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 150+<br />Northern Cardinal 6<br />Red-winged Blackbird 10<br />Rusty Blackbird 3<br />Common Grackle 12<br />Brown-headed Cowbird 4<br />House Finch 3<br />American Goldfinch 3<br />House Sparrow 12Americanchrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03672314972216651426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158292688929760060.post-7647112604421742482011-04-05T03:02:00.000-07:002011-04-05T03:11:22.282-07:00Sapsuckers Galore!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqT4AMNX5ZgsaQig6ZsZkurrKEIAZLxIATGno54Fl4QhO6eqNO5-1HUQGjWvlL7tXsEriQxrAsGVjwU7_QFKcIpyLawVJvKQW7QIqLDymYYTglZHg_7jimaMa_XjRZZhQC9JUsQVjvCUA/s1600/Sapsucker+1a.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 258px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqT4AMNX5ZgsaQig6ZsZkurrKEIAZLxIATGno54Fl4QhO6eqNO5-1HUQGjWvlL7tXsEriQxrAsGVjwU7_QFKcIpyLawVJvKQW7QIqLDymYYTglZHg_7jimaMa_XjRZZhQC9JUsQVjvCUA/s400/Sapsucker+1a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592040008171735794" /></a><br />Every area of Garret Mountain Reservation on Monday April 4 had Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers. Some were even calling. Palm Warblers joined the Pine Warblers around Barbour's Pond. Pete Both reported an early Orchard Oriole. Other arrivals include Brown Thrasher, Eastern Towhee, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Great Egret and Hermit Thrush. A Hawk flight had 12 Ospreys, 2 Cooper's Hawks, 2 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 4 Kestrels and 3 Red-shouldered Hawks.Americanchrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03672314972216651426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158292688929760060.post-60063898033112457482011-04-03T17:58:00.000-07:002011-04-03T18:16:31.324-07:00More migrants arrive<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Mr8la0awalMtIdEo8ezBk50zLGyblhhcoVNUsGZbk13HmixPgTDwjX7p48f-DupZdmXIFpnMMmYYlVt1taIxTEtwyTA3Z1iXh61b-qOKcv68txaom7scZe4GozDWtf8D3B2FQLcs-zo/s1600/Louisiana+Waterthrush+4a+copy_WEB.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Mr8la0awalMtIdEo8ezBk50zLGyblhhcoVNUsGZbk13HmixPgTDwjX7p48f-DupZdmXIFpnMMmYYlVt1taIxTEtwyTA3Z1iXh61b-qOKcv68txaom7scZe4GozDWtf8D3B2FQLcs-zo/s320/Louisiana+Waterthrush+4a+copy_WEB.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591530949300875730" /></a><br />More migrant birds have arrived at Garret Mt. Reservation in the last few days. April 3 saw the arrival of Louisiana Waterthrush on Slippery Rock Brook, yep that's the name, same location as usual in the spring. Also arriving in the last few days, more Pine Warblers, Chipping Sparrow, Hermit Thrush, multiple Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Northern Rough-winged Swallows as well as more flyovers from Great Blue Herons, Doulble-crested Cormorants, Osprey, and loads of Robins.Americanchrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03672314972216651426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158292688929760060.post-18278410378482368352011-03-24T05:00:00.000-07:002011-03-24T05:19:29.530-07:00Spring migrants begin to arrive<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMx43Cc75myk7NyGDwGXxnxYHO8v2XFOKfgIhX90OZ44bZVmkPTSd33wxS1HRQfdzPvRH-iaFi2PjwzocaZiW6a-kEiISqrXCxjy67sGbBjjmhxNl_5Abyby0iS8Qh8ZhfnqdhuS1i4rI/s1600/Pine+Warbler_WEB_WEB.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 153px; height: 99px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMx43Cc75myk7NyGDwGXxnxYHO8v2XFOKfgIhX90OZ44bZVmkPTSd33wxS1HRQfdzPvRH-iaFi2PjwzocaZiW6a-kEiISqrXCxjy67sGbBjjmhxNl_5Abyby0iS8Qh8ZhfnqdhuS1i4rI/s320/Pine+Warbler_WEB.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587617205222510146" /></a><br />Over the last 2 weeks a good number of migrants have arrived at Garret.<br />Pine Warblers, Eastern Phoebes, Tree Swallows, Brown Creepers, Woodcock, Fox Sparrows, Song Sparrows as well as some migrating raptors. 13 Black Vultures (seen 3/19) were migrating north on the ridge as well as Red-tailed Hawks, 1 Osprey (seen 3/23), and numerous Turkey Vultures.Americanchrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03672314972216651426noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158292688929760060.post-81052559194153961312010-10-05T04:23:00.000-07:002010-10-05T04:31:39.639-07:00Deer threaten parks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRq2PGDvkkVM9NJyILXSppJXzu0tTi5i4OERC-hwE2ZQ-Gaa8y2oF0tEOKxRE1-SI_d1OfSU-Sfhnx6PsgPoHuSODDPrXa_GbXGTyvLuGBct3uQIWeePjL2N8BTfasSzd-D5CrMwo0YQ/s1600/IMG_2747_WEB.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRq2PGDvkkVM9NJyILXSppJXzu0tTi5i4OERC-hwE2ZQ-Gaa8y2oF0tEOKxRE1-SI_d1OfSU-Sfhnx6PsgPoHuSODDPrXa_GbXGTyvLuGBct3uQIWeePjL2N8BTfasSzd-D5CrMwo0YQ/s320/IMG_2747_WEB.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524522947671961986" /></a><br />Click here for Jennifer Cunningham's article on deer threatening Garret Mt. Reservation and Riflecamp Park in the Bergen Record <a href="http://www.northjersey.com/news/104324853_Deer_threaten_county_s_parks.html">Deer threaten parks</a>Americanchrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03672314972216651426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158292688929760060.post-86825856647591600162010-05-14T16:52:00.000-07:002010-05-14T17:08:09.826-07:00May Migration<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9fqHFxpxshynMhKZ6C4t96DfKoAkT8xKN9LtCfCu3UmTRcqF85DzgDGCLOIKfQARbyXUOTAiEU31QnJMydQRUDes4ofV3Z7os-5YPpsgtAcnJfCSd6La-7foe9ZxmI_pMIXZqEad420/s1600/YB+Cuckoo_WEB.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 222px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9fqHFxpxshynMhKZ6C4t96DfKoAkT8xKN9LtCfCu3UmTRcqF85DzgDGCLOIKfQARbyXUOTAiEU31QnJMydQRUDes4ofV3Z7os-5YPpsgtAcnJfCSd6La-7foe9ZxmI_pMIXZqEad420/s320/YB+Cuckoo_WEB.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471279777218370258" /></a><br />The May migration has been up and down. A few days this month 20+ species of warbler were seen in the park. On the colder, windier days the south end Barbour's Pond was the place to see Warblers. The "Warbler Tree" near the basketball courts held 10 species of Warbler on May 8. It's still one of the better spots to view Warblers through the 14th. May 14th was highlighted by a Mourning Warbler and 30+ Blackburian Warblers. During the second week of May some rare birds for the park were seen. Mississippi Kite, Blue Grosbeak and Grasshopper Sparrow were seen by a few birders. It's been common to see upwards of 80 species of birds in a day, if you spend the time. Complete list of May sightings can be viewed <a href="http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=d2czmp4_7dcvnc6fj">May Bird list</a>Americanchrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03672314972216651426noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158292688929760060.post-42111150223638761132010-04-30T12:26:00.000-07:002010-05-03T03:37:17.402-07:00Garret's 22-Warbler Salute to Arbor Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAIDfN2xh7GwEz86l0N83pfsAxRcg5493K1zzZPPv5CegW5HCRXDl9wCjFoKy3tcepZBL9s2L0c6uC_w4Dq6rR-rZ5pLKirTTSypQOLWTDH5cgfdV6Y7OmbLfRkD-_fyn62VigpK-sAAE/s1600/Blackburian_WEB.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 162px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAIDfN2xh7GwEz86l0N83pfsAxRcg5493K1zzZPPv5CegW5HCRXDl9wCjFoKy3tcepZBL9s2L0c6uC_w4Dq6rR-rZ5pLKirTTSypQOLWTDH5cgfdV6Y7OmbLfRkD-_fyn62VigpK-sAAE/s200/Blackburian_WEB.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466019254497700130" /></a><br />Garret Mt. Reservation held true to it's reputation as a top spring migration birding area. At 6AM birds started pouring in from the ridge. People were birding the ridge from the stables north past the tower to the north end of the mountain for up to 2 hours. 22 species of Warbler were seen today, I believe 80+ species of birds in total were seen. Many new arrivals for the year like Scarlet Tanager, White-crowned Sparrow, Indigo Bunting, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Warbling Vireo, Green Heron and Solitary Sandpiper. <a href="http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AfqqKu4eXNnWZDJjem1wNF82aGtwMzV0aHM&hl=en">Arbor Day bird list</a>Americanchrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03672314972216651426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158292688929760060.post-78544934417909941762010-04-23T17:50:00.000-07:002010-04-23T18:21:26.648-07:00Migration at Garret Mt. this week<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSoY4XF_qbpzAlddIrhtkP7p6Vym_H8HsRHM4-ZdYc6Nm8cNsCGTliHoWTzyjUN0PRLhm-JfBlX6e_fKmubAo_SwUTrunPLdnlTBdfkj94ogodfcycrvdDMt1n5S2yKFSDPxwnB-Bt-0/s1600/LAWTH_WEB.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSoY4XF_qbpzAlddIrhtkP7p6Vym_H8HsRHM4-ZdYc6Nm8cNsCGTliHoWTzyjUN0PRLhm-JfBlX6e_fKmubAo_SwUTrunPLdnlTBdfkj94ogodfcycrvdDMt1n5S2yKFSDPxwnB-Bt-0/s320/LAWTH_WEB.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463506745115006546" /></a><br />This week's migration at Garret produced a few new birds. Sunday through Wednesday were busy days with many birds seen throughout the park. Thursday and Friday most birds had moved out with a small amount of birds moving in. 3 Louisiana Waterthrushes were seen on Wednesday along Slippery Rock Brook (behind the restored warming shelter. We've seen 8 in the park this spring. Numerous Palm Warblers and Yellow-rumped Warblers have been seen this week. A single Worm-eating Warbler was seen briefly near Wilson Ave. A singing Yellow-throated Vireo was seen on the ridge near the Overlook Meadow Thursday morning. A male Green-winged Teal was spotted on Barbour's Pond Wednesday as well as a bathing Savannah Sparrow. Friday had new arrivals of 3 Black-throated Green Warblers along the ridge near Lambert's Observation Tower. Gray Catbird was seen near the basketball court. A Male Hooded Warbler was seen behind the restored warming shelter Friday at noon. Single House Wrens have been seen sporadically throughout the week. Barn Swallows have joined Tree and Northern Rough-winged Swallows seen on Barbour's Pond. Broad-winged Hawks continue to move north over Garret Mt. too! <a href="http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AfqqKu4eXNnWZDJjem1wNF8yZ2tuazMzY3I&hl=en">April Bird list</a> Thanks to Kevin Watson for the wonderful Waterthrush photograph!Americanchrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03672314972216651426noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158292688929760060.post-24815643732484671262010-04-23T17:32:00.000-07:002010-04-23T17:49:08.748-07:00Trail Maintenance around Barbour's Pond<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZCQ_I9V4xT7mu66HnOb7J1RUVheznGuFBSpwc7dfN_Ms2LHvMpIUuX2-YmAO9DecwF5472iYxY4zdzdgFClrllZSFieCU2jrEqR_7EU_UxbIDaM8r104PuRKAIGff82I2wWrk0V1iAA/s1600/trail.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZCQ_I9V4xT7mu66HnOb7J1RUVheznGuFBSpwc7dfN_Ms2LHvMpIUuX2-YmAO9DecwF5472iYxY4zdzdgFClrllZSFieCU2jrEqR_7EU_UxbIDaM8r104PuRKAIGff82I2wWrk0V1iAA/s200/trail.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463498118509258418" /></a>A couple of members of the Friends of Garret added wood chips from a Garret Mt. Reservation tree to the south end of the trail around Barbour's Pond. We were given the chips from the Passaic County Parks Dept. and Tree Dept. and thank them greatly for their help. This part of the the trail is wet most of the spring. Wood chips on the trail have made it a walkable and dry trail. All of the responses from park users have been positive, even from some of the harshest critics in the park.Americanchrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03672314972216651426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158292688929760060.post-26838982031939463322010-04-23T17:14:00.000-07:002010-04-23T17:20:09.007-07:00Garret Mt. birding in the newsClick here for the article on Garret Mt. birding in the Bergen Record <a href="http://www.northjersey.com/recreation/news/90916859_Garret_Mountainprime_spot_to_seemigrant_warblers.html">Birding at Garret Mountain</a>Americanchrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03672314972216651426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4158292688929760060.post-47653983085645101952010-04-15T04:23:00.000-07:002010-04-15T04:25:26.793-07:00Torrey Botanical Society plant walk - April 17, 201017 April (Saturday). GARRET MOUNTAIN RESERVATION, WOODLAND PARK/ WEST PATERSON, PASSAIC CO., N.J. Meet at 10:00 AM in the parking lot of Mina’s on the Mountain Restaurant in the strip mall along Rifle Camp Road opposite the Park. By car: via Route. 80, east or west-bound take Squirrelwood Road exit (Exit 56), bearing right and proceed through the light for about 0.5 miles to the intersection of Rifle Camp Road. Look for the strip mall with corner restaurant opposite the New Street Reservoir. By bus: Take NJ Transit 192 bus from Port Authority Bus Terminal in N.Y.C. Get off of the bus at the corner of Valley Road and Fenner Avenue in Clifton and could be met at the Getty Service Station for pick up and short shuttle to the meeting place. Please check most current bus schedule with NJ Transit in advance of the trip. Call first trip co-leader by early Friday evening so local transportation can be arranged. After a brief meeting we will car caravan via the lower Park loop road to the parking lot at the south end of the Pond. We will explore the south end of the Park for early spring flora of the First Watchung Mountain and compare our findings with the last previous trip here in April 2005. The trip will cover the most “natural” area of the Park and will be dedicated to the late Dr. S. Marie Kuhnen, botanist and educator. The trip will finish around 12 noon. Wear sturdy footwear for rocky/wet trails and bring beverage and insect repellant; binoculars and camera optional . Trip Leaders: Joseph A. Labriola, 863 Allwood Road, Apt. D-1, Clifton, N.J. 07012; 973-472-8451; jlabriola49@optimum.net and Dr. Barbara Brummer, State Director, The Nature Conservancy, NJ Chapter, Chester, N.J. , (908) 879-7262, Ext. 350, bbrummer@tnc.org.Americanchrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03672314972216651426noreply@blogger.com0