Wednesday, May 13: Fierce and Fastest

Peregrine falcon. Photo: Michael Sheldon.

Jim Wright, author of the acclaimed new book The Peregrine Falcon, tells all about these incredible raptors in this lavishly illustrated talk: how they can travel at 200 mph, why they nearly went extinct, how they were saved (in the unlikeliest way), and how they became an internet superstar. Even if you think you know a lot about peregrines, prepare to be surprised.

About the speaker

In addition to this go-to book on peregrine falcons, Jim wrote The Screech Owl Companion and The Real James Bond. He monitors nesting peregrines for the state of New Jersey in the spring, coordinates the State Line Hawk Watch this fall, and writes a birding column for The Record in Northern New Jersey every two weeks.

The Peregrine Falcon: The Epic Life and Times of the World’s Fastest Creature

September, 2028: Birding South Africa with Rick Wright and VENT

Interested in birding South Africa with Rick Wright and VENT?

In September 2028, our very own Rick Wright is offering MBC members a chance to travel to South Africa with Victor Emanuel Nature Tours (VENT). The preliminary plan for this trip is as follows:

• 2 weeks of travel (exclusive of international travel time).

• Starting in Cape Town with visits to West Cape National Park (NP), Kirstenbosch, False Bay, Stellenbosch, and the Bot Valley, among other local sites, topped off with a whale watch and pelagic trip.

• Internal flight to Skukuza and then on to Sabi Sands for several days at Kruger NP.

• Ending with visits to Soweto and the Johannesburg Apartheid Museum.

  
  

Details:

• Estimated cost around $15,000, which would include the internal (but not international) flight, all meals, ground transportation, accommodations, and the usual high-quality VENT services.

• Arrival location: Cape Town. Departure location: Johannesburg.

• 
  

  Two leaders: Rick Wright and Geoff Lockwood.

To express interest, please email mbcoutings@gmail.com  An expression of interest is just that, an expression of interest, not a firm commitment. VENT is assessing whether enough MBC members would be interested or if this opportunity should be offered to another club.

Saturday, April 11: Mill Creek Marsh Photography

Tree swallows. Photo by Ric Cohn.

With Sandy Sorkin and Ric Cohn

Meet at 8:00 am at the Mill Creek Marsh entrance.

Rain date: Sunday, April 12

Join us for a Montclair Bird Club photography trip to Mill Creek Marsh, in Secaucus. We’ll meet at the entrance gate (by Bob’s Furniture) at 8:00 am with cameras, tripods, scopes, binoculars, and smartphones.

We’ll take our time following the trail, keeping the sun over our shoulders concentrating on photographing birds, landscapes, groundhogs, and any other slice of nature we encounter while sharing tips, assisting each other with equipment, and reviewing shots. If you are new to photography or just prefer to watch photographers, you are welcome to come along.  There are no bathrooms at this site; however, we can use the bathroom at Bob’s, which opens at 10 am. Contact Sandy Sorkin on 973-698-7900 for further information. 

We will also schedule a Zoom session follow up to discuss images from the day. The purpose of the review will be to answer questions, discuss camera settings, and look at some images from our walk. We can also talk about workflow, picture storage, and processing software. We will wait for group input to schedule the Zoom session.

From the Montclair area,

1. Take NJ Route 3 East.

2. Follow NJ-3 E to State Rd 3 E Local in Secaucus (this is the service road). Take the exit from NJ-3 E toward N Bergen/Kennedy Blvd/I-95.

3. Immediately after the second overpass, take the exit, which comes up very quickly, for Harmon Meadow Blvd.  

4. Harmon Meadow Blvd takes you to a T-intersection by Sam’s Club. Turn left and stay to the right.

5. Look for Bob’s Discount Furniture Store ahead on the right. The well-marked entrance to Mill Creek Marsh is just to the right of Bob’s.

In your GPS, search for Mill Creek Marsh Trail, Secaucus, NJ 07094, or for Bob’s Discount Furniture and Mattress Store, 3 Mill Creek Dr, Secaucus, NJ 07094.