I can’t not get out and go birding on New Year’s Day. So with a bitter wind blowing in my face, I headed up the trail at the Mercer Meadows Pole Farm, quickly realizing that underneath the half inch of snow that had fallen overnight lay a slippery layer of ice.
With that gusty wind blowing, I wasn’t able to spot a single bird in the fields. But as I reached the edge of the woods, robins started appearing. And appearing. And reappearing.
Few other birds were about, but as I reversed course and exited the woods, I spotted several house finches in the cedars at the edge of the fields. One of the males tops this post.
Seeing a report of bald eagles at Mercer County Park, at mid-morning I drove over there. The big group of eagles had skedaddled, but I did spot one swooping over the lake. I wasn’t quick enough to catch a photo of it worth saving.
I did, however, spot a blue jay and catch it on camera.
As 4 p..m. approached, I made a quick run back to the Pole Farm, hoping that perhaps a short-eared owl or Northern harrier would appear at sunset. I saw three harriers, including the “gray ghost” male, but they were too far off for a decent shot.
I did shoot the moon, literally, and I’m happy to end this post with that shot. Good birding and good shooting to all in ’26.
Come to think of it, 26 is Saquon Barkley’s jersey number on the Philadelphia Eagles. Go birds! 🦅
The Jersey Birder 
Happy New Year, Dan!
Yesterday I spotted three Northern Cardinals in the tree out front. That splash of red against the dull winter branches was the highlight of the day. The only downside? I didn’t have my camera ready.
LikeLike
Argh. I hate it when that happens! Happy New Year, Khűrt.
LikeLike