Meadowlands Liberty Region
It's for the Birds and the Bird Watchers!

Birding in the Meadowlands Liberty Region is taking flight. With hundreds of acres of protected wetlands, secluded estuaries and trails, and tidal salt marshes nestled near the Hackensack River, it’s no wonder 265 species of birds of all feathers call the Meadowlands home. Located along the Atlantic Flyway migratory bird path, birders in the region have also spotted several dozen migratory fowl, and the total bird population includes 25 species that are on New Jersey’s endangered species or protected species lists. Not to be outdone, the Liberty State Park is home to 200 species of birds and many migratory fowl as well.

The New Jersey Audubon Society (njaudubon.org) hosts the World Series of Birding at DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst, a friendly competition where amateurs and enthusiasts try to spot as many different types of birds as they can in a 24-hour period. And the first annual Festival of Birding was held in 2004, revealing a peregrine falcon in Secaucus and bald eagles in North Arlington. Birding is popular year round – the spring and fall are good for observing migrating birds, while the summer is popular for watching baby birds learn to fly, feed at feeders and bathe at birdbaths.

Birders will find all they need – early morning diners, plenty of hotel rooms so they can get a good night’s rest before getting a jump on their early morning viewing, and the resources of many environmental groups to enhance their trip. The New Jersey Meadowlands Commission, the Meadowlands Environment Center, the New Jersey Audubon Society and the Hackensack Riverkeeper all work together to offer the most opportunities to witness nature’s show.