Wood Ducks on Ice Series (5 of 5) in Winter at Duke Farms Nature Preserve of Hillsborough NJ

            Winter is always so beautiful when snow covered grounds dominate the landscape, and when here at Duke Farms Nature Preserve as one can explore the wide range of wonderful scenes, it only makes it that much better . . .
Occasionally we would see the ice covered lakes with winter fowls, and on this particular day, we spotted the stunningly beautiful Wood Duck(s) navigating a way to walk across the surface without slipping.  It was amusing to watch, for they, too, like us, did not have it that easily in the effort to traverse the icy lake-top.

The late, Doris Duke, had left a wonderful legacy in converting a good portion of her magnificent estate into a Natural Wildlife Preserve for the public’s education and enjoyment—just short of 1,000 of the almost 3,000 acres is open to visitors.  The other area is restricted to staff and for a wide range of projects.  The paths throughout the estate offer such splendid scenery.  One is forever exploring, always seeing something beautiful.  There are so many pleasant surprises, from the general landscape scenery with the many lakes, ponds, and waterfalls, plus old stone structures in bridges and buildings, to the world of birds and other wildlife, including furry critters, tiny insects, and wonderful plants, from fascinating wildflowers to such impressive trees.  The bucolic nature of the preserve is so relaxing—akin to meditating while experiencing the preserve.  Also, if one appreciates fine, classic sculptures, some of Doris Duke’s collection can be seen around the park, including the statue garden court within the old hay barn ruin.
There is no “best” time to visit, for throughout the year’s seasonal changes, visitors will never leave disappointed, for each trip offers something memorable.
CHECK OUT OUR ALBUMS ON DUKE FARMS, FOR IT IS SUCH A WONDERFUL PLACE FOR ALL TO ENJOY AND LEARN ABOUT NATURE’S ENDLESS GIFTS.

   

Taken on: March 16, 2017

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