Friends of Brightwood Park
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  • Home
  • PRESERVE
    • Ecology
    • Invasive Species
    • Ponds
    • Clean Ups
    • Trails
  • ENJOY
    • halloween-22
    • Photos
    • Birding >
      • greenHeron
    • Trail Maps
    • Calendar
  • B W Kids
    • Nature Detectives - the latest news
  • Who We Are
    • Chuan-Chu Chou Blog
    • Perspectives on the Park
    • MemberInfo
    • presidentReport-1Q-21
  • Shop
  • JOIN

Green Herons

Green Herons have been spotted in Brightwood Park, and also in Echo Lake Park,  in the late summer.  These images are not from NJ, but since the Green Heron has become the unofficial logo of the Friends of Brightwood Park, I thought it would be interesting to learn more about them.  These beautiful pictures are from James Napoli.   - karrie
 Although it is often difficult to see the greenish color unless the light is just right, adults have a glossy, greenish-black cap, a greenish back and wings that are grey-black grading into green or blue, a chestnut neck with a white line down the front, grey underparts and short yellow legs.  They usually sit motionless at the water's edge, waiting for their next meal.  Their preferred diet, like most herons, is small fish, though they will also eat frogs and aquatic insects.  Interestingly, they sometimes drop food, insects, or other small objects on the water's surface to attract fish, making them one of the few known tool-using species.     -Doug MacNeil

Location

Brightwood Park is on the North end of Prospect Street.  Go past Franklin School and look for the entrance on the left.

What Our Members Are Saying

"I love the work you are doing at Brightwood.  Your efforts have shone a light on the essential elements of the park that we all cherish: its natural beauty and tranquility."

"I have a deep fondness for Brightwood park and would like to see it restored, remain natural and continue to be a site of passive recreation."

"I loved growing up in Brightwood Park !"


"I found Brightwood a few years ago and it's a great place to find wildlife, fish, and enjoy nature. Nice and quiet; good place to un wind and relax. Love it!!!"

​"As a resident for almost thirty years in the Brightwood area of Westfield, I am thrilled to see what is happening to improve and preserve Brightwood park for today and future generations. "


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