Memorial Day program was well done - Barbara Rudy conducting the Montclair community band - and a short, yet meaningful program - thanks to the township and all concerned.
also,
a rare - ish bird seen - Scott the photographer knows, -I'v already forgotten the name - but the park is a lovely place.
aot

Posted by: adriana | May 30, 2005 7:19:43 PM

Scot - you are an incredible artist with a camera.

Posted by: Ed Remsen | May 30, 2005 10:05:30 PM

Nice snapshots.

Posted by: Gonzo Journalist | May 31, 2005 1:36:26 AM

Think the rare bird may have been a Loon or a Cormorant. As I am usually speeding around the curve in my car,so I cannot be sure. Any birdwatchers out there that can identify the black, duck-like bird that's been hanging around the pond these past 2 weeks?

Posted by: Maryellen | May 31, 2005 11:21:58 AM

The black bird is a double crested cormorant. I too have been watching this bird (and recently it's mate) for weeks. See this url for more info.

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/programs/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Double-crested_Cormorant.html

The bird mentioned by Adriana is the same black crowned heron shown in Baristanet on May 13.

http://www.baristanet.com/barista/2005/05/beyond_canada_g.html

Scot

Posted by: Scot Surbeck | May 31, 2005 12:04:15 PM

The bird that Adriana was asking about is the (male) Black Crowned Night Heron. There have been a pair in Edgemont Park for the past 5 years or so.

Barbara Rudy

Posted by: Barbara Rudy | May 31, 2005 1:30:41 PM

So is it a double-crested cormorant or a black crowned night heron? And don't tell me yes. Actually, I don't care what the bird is -- I'm just trying to stir up some Bartistaville-style controversy. Let the feathers fly!

Posted by: Chris | May 31, 2005 8:54:18 PM