I had put the Merlin ID app away, and chatting with Bhavna as we walked around the small loop had become my main focus. On the trail back to Pole Farm, the trees receded and we were once again surrounded by the expanse of meadow. Despite cradling the digital camera equivalent of a newborn human, somewhere along [our walk around the small loop], I had forgotten the main reason I chose Mercer Meadows for the day's walk. We stopped at "Pole Farm" to read the small sign with a description of what stood in the space.
In the early 20th century The "Pole Farm" was once a key site for AT&T's international telephone call network. "Pole Farm" at Mercer Meadows has transformed over the years into a natural reserve with scenic trails and wildlife habitats. In the spring and summer, one can see lush meadows, woodlands, and wetlands, home to a diverse flora and fauna." Pole Farm", has become known as a prime birding location, attracting birding and bird photography enthusiasts.
There’s a squarish bit of grass that creates a rest area at the intersections of the crisscrossing trails. It may have been the former location of a building. Metal girders painted red surround this spot acting as visual borders between the meadow brush. A large metal arch provides the feeling of a doorway to the benches and restroom areas which provide opportunities to rest and enjoy the meadow views.
Bhavna, maybe feeling that I was disappointed in not seeing any birds, pointed excitedly to one of the nearby flowering trees placed at the corners of the rest area. She pointed excitedly and said, "It’s so pretty". I could hear a bird singing melodiously from the nearby tree.
I saw a small and colourful bird, 15 to 20 cm in size, singing as though he were in attendance at a Bob Marley, with Master Marley belting out lyrics from "Three Little Birds"; "Don't worry about a thing. 'Cause every little thing is gonna be alright!".
This Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) and I had an understanding. He did not move his short slender body as I gingerly approached to fill the frame at 600m, the XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR sticking out from my face like a large nose. His black eyes and slightly curved bill looked toward the distance. Dressed in a vibrant deep blue hoody with a large rusty-red scarf and white pants, my subject and I worked together on this portrait photoshoot.
NOTE: I am visiting Mercer Meadows more often since I discovered Dan Day's The Jersey Birder website. With just a few visits Mercer Meadows has provided more opportunities for bird photography than the Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge, my previous hot-spot. Check out his Springing into Spring post.
Excellent closeups of such a colorful bird. You put that long-zooming lens to good use.
Thank Steve. I am also building shoulder muscle. 🤣
Lovely bird! Beautiful details and colors.
Thank you, Amy.
That bird is absolutely stunning! I wish I could see it in person. I normally see cardinals, blue jays, tufted titmouse and robins in my yard. Thank you for sharing ?
Photos of Tufted Titmouse will be posted soon.