One of my favorite experiences when out on photo shoots is meeting nice folks enjoying the landscape I might be photographing. Sometimes they are from local areas, but visiting the site for the first time, or often the case, from outside of the general region--it could be other parts of the state, out of state, or from another country, all together.
In this particular instance, these fine folks happened to be from Brazil . . . Well, besides a few, most of them were flying home to South America later in the day. The initial encounter was the result of a pleasant and very friendly greeting from the young lady with her boyfriend or husband in the orange jacket. It was refreshing to see the genuine friendliness in the way she and her family initiated. I responded to the expression regarding the fine day, but expounded by indicating my preference for the far colder winter weather, as we had recently in the form of the Arctic Freeze. This exchange resulted in my offering to photograph the family, with the promise of uploading the shot into my FLICKR page. One of the members wanted to take a cell phone group selfie with me included, so I obliged. I gave them the FLICKR site and additional contact information for future reference and ideas for interesting places to visit.
Winter at this park is always a favorite time, for one never knows exactly what to expect in its landscape, all depending on the temperature, winds, time of day, whether there was snow or ice in recent times, etc. And as a result, no matter how cold and windy, or the extent of severe weather just before, it is a place to see . . . AND IF YOU APPRECIATE NATURE’S MOST FASCINATING EVER CHANGING ART, THEN YOU WILL LOVE THE “ICE ART SCULPTURES” WITH THE WETLANDS REEDS OFFERED AFTER A WIDE VARIETY OF WINTER CLIMATE FACTORS PLAY A ROLE IN THE CREATION. IT CAN BE THERE ON DAY AND COMPLETELY GONE THE NEXT.
If you genuinely have a love for nature, this site is a hidden gem. Nestled within the 8700(+/-) acres of the official Meadowlands (with beautiful wetlands and marshes galore), visitors have the opportunity to explore and learn about the region’s natural goings on, from the vast and amazing animal life to the fascinating plant life. The great number of bird species, both migratory and resident, enables anyone who appreciates the wonders of these winged friends some exciting experiences when at Richard DeKorte Park, a quiet sanctuary, and practically a stone’s throw away from Manhattan. There are many birders and wildlife photographers who consider this area as one of their choice places to visit. A wealth of insect species is also present, each with its own unique traits that keeps things interesting, and the furry, adorable critters, such as the muskrats, groundhogs, and occasional foxes, to name a few, along with several kinds of turtles, including the large snappers provides one with endless opportunities to observe the fascinating world of nature. Contrary to common perception amongst the general populace, you will be shocked by the wildflowers (often called weeds), for they are as lovely as the popular strands. Identifying and studying about the multitude of wild species is a challenge, but it can also be quite rewarding as you gain a bit of expertise with each outing. Seasonal changes, along with the magnificent MAGIC/GOLDEN HOURS of Sunrise and Sunset, will constantly offer fresh new scenes . . . So, getting bored is rather difficult for the curious.
Check out some of our ALBUMS related to the Meadowlands, including Mill Creek Marsh, Richard DeKorte Park, Mill Creek Point, Carlstadt River Barge, and Laurel Hill Park.
