b'Wildlife to Watch for Along the Rahway RiverA s you wade into the Rahway River this River Day on Mayhas made a home near the Rahway River, delighting birdwatchers with 4, dont forget to look up, down, and all around. Nature isits aerial acrobatics.alive and thriving along the banks of our waterway. FromRed-TailedHawks:OftenseensoaringhighaboveMeadowlands graceful herons to curious turtles, theres no shortage ofPark, these majestic raptors keep a watchful eye on the area. Their pierc-fascinating creatures to spot. But while its tempting toing cry is a signature sound of the New Jersey skies.get up close and personal, its important to be mindful of Great Blue Herons and White Egrets: Standing tall and regal, these el-the habitats were sharing. egant waders can often be found fishing along the shallow banks. Their As you enjoy River Day, keep an eye on little ones and watch wherepatience while hunting is mesmerizing to watch.you step, says Linda L. Beck, co-founder of the Meadowlands Park Con-servancy and former chair of the South Orange Environmental Commis-sion. Some creatures nest there, so you need to be careful.Heres a quick guide to some of the most exciting wildlife you might encounter:TURTLES GALORE Painted Turtles: These little guys are no bigger than a quarter when they hatch, and their bellies are a striking Cheetos orange that makes them easy to spot. They bask on logs and rocks, soaking up the sun, but if you get too close, theyll slip into the water with a plop. Eastern Box Turtles: Although theyre often mistaken for tortoises, box turtles are a terrestrial species that prefer to stay close to the forest floor. If you spot one, admire it from afar. Theyre slow movers but critical to our ecosystem. Musk Turtles (AKA Muff Turtles): These shy creatures are known for their secretive behavior. They tend to stay near the river bottom and re-lease a musky odor when disturbed, hence their nickname! AQUATIC AND FOREST DWELLERS Red-Eared Slider Turtles: If you see a turtle with a distinctive red patchWhite Sucker Fish: These big, bottom-feeding fish use their extra-behind its eyes, its likely a red-eared slider. These are an invasive species,large pectoral fins to navigate the shallow water. If youre lucky, you Beck warns. Theyre often sold on street corners in New York City. Whenmight spot them gliding gracefully just beneath the surface.they outgrow their tanks, people dump them into local waterways. Unfortu-nately, they crowd out our native species, so please dont dump them.Foxes: Though more elusive, foxes sometimes make an appearance along the rivers edge, especially in the early morning or just before dusk. Their rust-colored fur blends seamlessly with the surrounding foliage.A FEW BONUS FINDSWhile its best to leave live animals where they are so they can contin-ue to thrive (and make more babiesfornextyearsRiver Day),theresoneexception. We often find really interest-ing skullsraccoons, foxes, andpossums,Becksays. Youre allowed to take those home with you!Whether youre spotting a turtle sunning itself on a log or marveling at the flight of FEATHERED FRIENDS a red-tailed hawk, keep your eyes peeled and your senseBelted Kingfisher: With a distinctive mohawk and a sharp chirpingof wonder wide open. Enjoy call, the belted kingfisher is hard to miss. One particularly vocal kingfisherRiver Day!feature story /27'