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 19: A Piece of the Great Piece

Wood duck. Photo by Beni Fishbein.

Meet at 8:00 am at Centennial Park on Pine Brook Road, Lincoln Park, New Jersey.

Although it is in many ways a typical suburban town, much of Lincoln Park is wetland that cannot be developed. Thus, a large portion of the town’s square mileage is green space, offering many excellent birding opportunities. The town is home to Great Piece Meadows, a remnant wetland of Glacial Lake Passaic, which attracts numerous migrants. Centennial Park, a small “pocket” park at the edge of Great Piece Meadows, probably has more bird species per square foot (including Morris County’s first Ash-throated Flycatcher) than any other location in the area.

Another section of Great Piece is known as Two Bridges, at the confluence of the Passaic and Pompton Rivers. We hope to see a variety of migrating songbirds and raptors as well as resident and lingering breeding birds such as the wood duck, great crested flycatcher, yellow-throated vireo, wood thrush, and rose-breasted grosbeak.

Please bring binoculars, a sunhat, insect repellant, water and a snack. There is a port-o-john in Centennial Park. If you plan on joining us, contact Ivan Kossak at ivankossak@gmail.com to RSVP or to get more 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.