September 1, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 17 Northern New Jersey is now in the early stages of what may be one of the most impressive bird migration seasons ever. Like the birds that visit the woods, wetlands, and waterways of our region, hundreds of birders will flock together on Sept. 11 and 12 for two days of field trips, workshops, and activities during the Seventh Annual New Jersey Meadowlands Festival of Birding. The event is organized by Hackensack Riverkeeper and the New Jersey Audubon Society, and hosted by the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission. Among the activities available to festival-goers are: Annual NJ Meadowlands Festival of Birding set • “Birding By Boat” tours on the Hackensack River conducted aboard the pontoon boats of Hackensack Riverkeeper and the NJMC with NJAS guides assisting. • Early-morning demonstrations of bird banding at Harrier Meadow. • Bird walks at locations including Richard W. DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst, Mill Creek Marsh Trail in Secaucus, Liberty State Park in Jersey City, the Celery Farm Natural Area in Allendale, and a Hawk Watch at State Line Lookout in Alpine. • Paddle/birding tours of the Sawmill Creek marshes in the Meadowlands. • Indoor presentations on birding basics, the nature of New Jersey, “All about Butterflies,” and “Rapp’n with Raptors” – a presentation featuring live birds of prey. • Displays by festival partners, local nature centers, and the opportunity to purchase optics, books, birdfeeders and other birding supplies. “The month of September is a great time for birding in the Meadowlands – perhaps even the best time,” according to NJAS President Tom Gilmore. “With over 8,000 acres of protected wetlands habitat, the Meadowlands is an amazing urban oasis, and one well worth exploring.” One highlight of every festival is the keynote program. This year, Richard Crossley, a native of Yorkshire, England and a resident of Cape May, New Jersey since 1991, will speak about bird identification and the increasing role of digital photography in birding. Crossley is the author of “The Shorebird Guide,” and the recently-published “Crossley ID Guide: Eastern Birds.” Unlike earlier styles of field guides, his books are being written to have a have an impact on how people view birds, wildlife, and books. At $40 per ticket – the same price as in previous years – festival-goers will be able to participate in as many activities as they Noise ordinance (continued from page 3) distributed for use elsewhere, the use of property maintenance equipment to cut the wood would be permitted. The dispute at the root of the noise issue lies between two Mabel Ann Avenue neighbors who have been at odds for several years, with one neighbor accusing the other of creating unnecessary noise with yard or wood cutting equipment and by keeping a rooster, which created its own type of noise. Summonses have been issued and, at one time, a fine was levied on one of the neighbors when the matter was sent to a municipal court in Hillsdale. One of those neighbors, James Van Wyckhouse, owns property on Mabel Ann Avenue where he operates a tree service. He complained that the ordinance would restrict his right to cut wood to give away to friends and relatives. He claims he often cuts wood to give to his neighbors and friends, and he complained about the restrictions on wood cutting, calling them harassment. “If you say I can’t give it away, I’m going to give it away anyway,” he told the council. Another Mabel Ann Avenue resident, James Pigeon, said he felt the ordinance is an infringement on his personal freedom because he should be able to give wood to the Boy Scouts and to his friends. But Councilman Frank Bivona explained to him that, under the amended ordinance, he could cut wood for his own consumption, but he could not cut it to give it away. Mayor Maura DeNicola explained further that there is no restriction in the ordinance against cutting wood that originates on one’s property and giving it away. Borough Attorney Richard Lustgarten also explained that the intent of the ordinance is not to restrict the cutting of wood on one’s property, but to prevent bringing wood onto one’s property for the purpose of cutting and selling it. He emphasized that the purpose of the ordinance is to prevent noise in a residential area. “We want to prevent excessive noise from a commercial operation,” he said, adding, “The ordinance addresses bringing wood onto the site for one’s own purpose, but you can’t bring it on site, create noise, and then bring it somewhere else.” Councilman Steven Marcus pointed out to the residents that the council has spent two-and-a-half years and a significant amount of meeting time dealing with this issue, and the council has gone out of its way not to take sides. “We’ve tried to create an ordinance that is the best ordinance we can create for the town,” Marcus said. can over the two days. Children between the ages of 10 and 17 who are interested in birds and birding are invited to attend free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult. In addition to the bird-related activities, morning coffee and a catered lunch will be provided on Saturday, Sept. 11 for all attendees. Because birds have to fly regardless of weather, the festival will take place rain or shine. “With such a full lineup of activities taking place from the Meadowlands to Liberty State Park to the Palisades, there is plenty for both expert and novice to enjoy,” said Riverkeeper Captain Bill Sheehan. “We at Hackensack Riverkeeper, New Jersey Audubon and the Meadowlands Commission are eager to share the joys of birding our unique urban wilderness with all of them.” Tickets may be purchased online at www.HackensackRiverkeeper.org or by calling the offices of Hackensack Riverkeeper (201) 968-0808 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. There are opportunities for many people to attend the festival, but space is limited. Festival organizers urge those interested to make reservations as soon as possible. ������������� ������������������� ��������������������������������������� �������������������� ����������������������������� ������������ ���������������� ����������������� OCEANFRONT HOUSE with Private Beach Access FOR RENT ����������������������������������������� Waterfront house on Fripp Island, SC (near historic Beaufort and Parris Island). Ranch style with extended large deck overlooking the ocean and own beach access, screened porch, 4 BR, 2½ baths, full kitchen, great room with fireplace. Satellite TV, internet, wash/dryer and gas grill. Sleeps 8-10. In gated community featuring 2 championship golf courses, several swimming pools, tennis, marina and more. $2900./ week. Two amenity cards included; add’l cards may be purchased. Golf cart avail. at add’l fee. Call 843-597-2492 or check website: www.frippocean.com for information. [1