The name is derived from this birds plaintive call, which sounds as if it is consumed with grief. The rivers and marshes are the homes of hosts of waterfowl. A stroll along the Hudson River in Hoboken may reveal Mallard Ducks, Canadian Geese, herons, and egrets. The Common Egret is a singularly impressive sight. Over three feet in height, this bird's feathers are pure white.
Egrets use their long legs to wade about the shore, catching minnows, shrimps, and frogs for dinner.
Hawks and owls also fly over Hudson County. Jogging one day in Jersey City's Pershing Field Park, I enjoyed watching a pair of Red-Tailed Hawks playing tag overhead. These aerial maneuvers scared a local pigeon that flew off in terror. The Interpretive Center at Liberty State Park has brochures listing the birds native to Jersey City. On another occasion running brought me familiarity with nature, on almost too personal a level.