Saturday, August 29, 2026: Walker Avenue Wetlands, Wayne, New Jersey

Least Sandpiper. Photo by Beni Fishbein.

Walker Avenue Wetlands, Wayne, New Jersey. Saturday, August 29, 2026 8 am.

Meet at Vincent Street, Wayne, NJ.

Trip cancels in event of inclement weather

If it has recently rained heavily, trip will move to DeKorte as Walker becomes impassable.

Write to mbcoutings@gmail.com for further information.

Walker Avenue Wetlands is a marsh habitat bordering the Pompton River in Passaic County. It is a great place to see herons and egrets, ducks, swallows, and sandpipers. In years past, a number of rarities have been found at Walker in August so we will keep our fingers crossed that we will find some on this half-day trip.  

Wear waterproof shoes or boots. Bring binoculars, a scope if you have one, bug spray, and sunscreen. Be sure to wear a hat and carry water. There are no bathrooms at this location. 

To reach our meeting site from the Montclair area, take Route 23 north and exit at the Newark Pompton Turnpike. Make a left onto Ryerson Avenue, a right onto Walker Avenue, and a left onto Vincent Street. Park along Vincent Street. 

Monday, September 14 at 6:30 pm: Montclair Chimney Swift Watch with Evan Cutler

Chimney Swifts. Photo by Ric Cohn.

Rain date: Tuesday, September 15 at 6:30 pm

Meet at 6:30 pm on Norwood Avenue between Lorraine Avenue and Bellevue Avenue, next to the parking lot of the Bellevue Avenue branch of the Montclair Public Library.

For decades, Buzz Aldrin Middle School in Montclair has played host to one of the most

fascinating birding spectacles in all of New Jersey. Each evening, flocks of chimney swifts fill the sky, feeding on flying insects, until suddenly, one by one they enter the school’s chimney, where they will roost until the next morning. This is a terrific opportunity to watch this phenomenon up close. Feel free to bring a lawn chair and a snack or beverage. We’ll be out until about 7:30 pm – which is usually the time the final swift enters the chimney. 

Write to mbcoutings@gmail.com for further information.

Saturday, September 26, 2026: Fall Birding at Sandy Hook

Semipalmated sandpiper. Photo by Ric Cohn. 

8:30AM to 12:30PM

Trip cancels if it rains.

Sandy Hook, a unique geological feature on the northernmost extent of the Jersey shore, has long been known as one of New Jersey's premiere birding sites. In fall, Sandy Hook's considerable patches of coastal forest may attract great numbers of migrants as they spot this enticing habitat at first light while crossing the New York Bay. We will explore the varied habitats of the Hook, hoping to see a good variety of sparrows, some late warblers, thrushes, shorebirds, raptors, and maybe something unexpected. Last year’s trip reported 76 species including 13 warbler species, an American golden plover and white-rumped sandpiper. Fingers crossed, we will do as well this year.

We will meet at Lot B, on the right side of the road just a few hundred yards after the entrance gate. Park near the building in the center of the lot, which is a public restroom. Sandy Hook is largely flat and its trails are not challenging, but walking in general can be quite fatiguing since it is mostly done on sand. We recommend comfortable hiking boots that can keep sand out. Along with binoculars, please bring a scope if you own one- there are many spots where it will come in handy. Extra layers are recommended if it is windy. Bring a sunhat, water and a snack or lunch if you like. Bug spray and sunscreen may be useful.

Contact mbcoutings@gmail.com for further information.