Has the summer slowdown begun at the Pole Farm?

Posted byDanPosted inBirds in the wild, photographyTags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
An orchard oriole calls from tall green plants. Its head iand wings are black, its breast a deep shade of orange, and its beak is mostly black on top and silver on the bottom.

Spring migration is over, and most birds have settled into where they’ll spend the summer. I crossed paths with a birding friend yesterday, and we both noted that opportunities to see and photograph birds at the Mercer Meadows Pole Farm seem as if they are starting to slow.

On Wednesday, for example, I shot photos just once, getting a few frames of two field sparrows flitting just off one of the trails. Today presented better opportunities, starting with an orchard oriole that was calling from the greenery just off the Cold Soil Road parking lot.

I fumbled to get my camera out of the car and to zoom in on the bird before it flew off. I figured I’d be lucky to get one good shot. but the camera gods were kind.

The photo of the orchard oriole topping this post looks great as the desktop image on my big OLED monitor on my desk at home. You probably can’t see them if you’re viewing this post on a cell phone or other small screen, but there are small, colorful flowers to the left of the bird and farther to the right of him. Below is a different frame, cropped more closely that shows the bird off well.

A male orchard oriiole -- with black head, deep orange breast and black wings -- opens its beak while perched in green-leafed plants. The upper beak is black and the lower beak mostly silver.
Orchard oriole calling from the grasses.

As I walked up the trail and entered the main meadows, well off to my left I spotted an Eastern kingbird. That excited me, as I’d seen only one previously this year, in approximately the same spot. This time I was able to shoot several frames. I was happy to get a couple of strong shots.

An Eastern kingbird clings to a slender gray tree branch. The bird has a white neck and breast but is otherwise black, save for the white tips on its tail feathers.
The kingbird, with its tell-tale white-tipped tail in view.

Those shots were all taken within the first quarter mile of a three-mile walk. I took only a few more photos. Once I passed the AT&T Building One oval and headed up the Lawrence-Hopewell Trail, I decided to see where the pavement would take me.

Although I’ve bicycled that portion of the LHT many times, I had not walked it with my camera beyond 100 yards or so. The path took me to Blackwell Road across from the Hunt House, and I walked up Blackwell to return to the Pole Farm paths and back to my car. I was not moved to shoot any photos in the last two miles of my walk, underscoring the point that photo opportunities are diminished as summer unfolds. 🦅

Published by Dan

University media executive by day, blogger by night, I am a well-traveled resident of New Jersey

4 thoughts on “Has the summer slowdown begun at the Pole Farm?”

  2. Fantastic report and photos. I also experienced a decline of wildlife at Pole Farm. When I go I do the loop from Cold Soil parking lot. After the loop in migration season I will walk down the path that goes past the lookout platform. Passing the platform I enter the woods, go about 30 yards I stand there for awhile seeing and hearing numerous birds. I believe that area is referred to as Warbler Woods. I think it was Jim who told me that.
    I always enjoy reading your articles, and seeing your photos.
    Bob Rumer

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    1. Thanks very much, Bob. I hope to cross paths with you at the Pole Farm, which is my happy place — even when the birds are shy.

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