Fly by the annual Meadowlands Birding Festival at DeKorte Park on Oct. 6

If you are looking for a day of fun, education, and some amazing birds, fly by the Meadowlands Birding Festival on Sunday, Oct. 6 at DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst.

This annual event, which is co-sponsored by the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority and the Bergen County Audubon Society, promises bird walks, talks, live birds of prey, children's activities, music and more, offering something for the whole family.

The festival will take place at the Meadowlands Environmental Center at 2 DeKorte Park Plaza in Lyndhurst.

The festival will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The official schedule of events is as follows:

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• 7 a.m.: Harrier Meadow, Bird Banding
• 9 a.m.: Festival begins
• 9:30 a.m.: Saw Mill Trail walk
• 10 a.m.: Birdwatching Through the Lens: Ethical Photography 101 with Unique Photo and Bobby Stormer
• 10:30 a.m.: Marsh Discovery Trail walk and Birdability event
• 11 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.: Live raptor show: Giselle Smisko, Avian Wildlife Center
• 11:30 a.m.: Join the MRRI scientists for a hands-on workshop building artificial islands filled with plants to create habitat for birds, fish and pollinators
• 12 p.m.: Rachel McGovern of Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ will present "Peregrine Falcons: Flying High in New Jersey"
• 1 p.m.: Marsh Discovery Trail walk
• 2 p.m.: Presentation "Saving the Rusty Blackbird" Don Torino, President Bergen County Audubon Society

The 10:30 a.m. "Birdability" event will consist of a paved/boardwalk adventure that will accommodate anyone with a physical disability, according to a Facebook post by the Bergen County Audubon Society . The experience can be adjusted based on the needs of the participants.

The Meadowlands and Richard W. DeKorte Park

Nestled within the most populated metropolitan area in the country is a sanctuary which, after decades of unregulated waste dumping, has been restored to a haven for native wildlife.

One of the Garden State's great natural wonders, the Meadowlands are home to at least 285 species of birds and 65 species of marine life, many of which are on the state's threatened, endangered and species of special concern lists.

In its restoration, the Meadowlands have also become a haven for people, allowing New Jerseyans and visitors alike to see the natural beauty that our state has to offer.

Posted by Meadowlands Birding Festival on Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Located within the Meadowlands is Richard W. DeKorte Park , which features 3.5 miles of walking paths, panoramic views of wetlands and waterways and birds galore.

The park, which was once designated to become a landfill, is now a retreat for nature lovers, birders, educators and researchers. DeKorte Park, along with the entire Meadowlands district, is located along the Atlantic Flyway, one of the major routes used by migratory birds in North America.

Within the park there are several walking trails that allow visitors to observe and photograph the Meadowlands' natural beauty and native wildlife. Several signs located throughout the park highlight its resources and the wildlife that inhabit it.

Check out DeKorte Park for yourself on Oct. 6 at the annual Meadowlands Birding Festival to see and learn about New Jersey's beautiful wildlife up close.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Fly by the annual Meadowlands Birding Festival at DeKorte Park on Oct. 6