Red-Tailed Hawk (1 of 7) Winter Scene at Duke Farms of Hillsborough NJ
When we first began our nature and photo-op walk on this cold day, after briefly stopping in at the impressive Orientation Center (information desk and educational hall for visitors, plus a nice cafeteria), we were immediately greeted by the sight of a very beautiful Red-Tailed Hawk, perched atop one of the light posts. This one did not appear familiar to us—we have seen plenty over our many outings at DF, so have become rather aware of most. From its markings and generally fresh look, it could not have been that old, a young adult, likely. Upon approaching the post, it something in the surrounding field attracted its attention, and this lovely creature took flight. Apparently, the potential prey disappeared, or maybe not what it desired. So, the Red-Tailed flew back up to perch on another light post. Accustomed to visitors, and knowing who is harmless or a pain in the rear (ignorant folks would voice aggravating sounds . . .), we were obviously accepted as ones in the first category. This beauty allowed us to capture the great features, and seemed curious about us, also. Like many birds, it was probably storing our images in a memory bank for future possible encounters.
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 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. 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.
Besides the wonderful diversity of nature’s jewels, Doris Duke has left a part of her legacy through her passion for art—well situated throughout the preserve is a collection of glorious sculptures and fabulous examples of supreme stonework and design in the bridges, old ruins of enormous barns and stables, and a variety of other structures. The old Hay Barn ruin with its fabulous sculpture garden is truly a favorite of ours, for each and every statue seems to possess a spirit and sense of life. The landscape and backdrop can alter the mood, accordingly, depending on the time of day and seasonal changes in particular. So, spotting new and fascinating wildlife (both animals and plants) and art never ceases to add to the experience.
Red-Tailed Hawk (1 of 7) Winter Scene at Duke Farms of Hillsborough NJ
When we first began our nature and photo-op walk on this cold day, after briefly stopping in at the impressive Orientation Center (information desk and educational hall for visitors, plus a nice cafeteria), we were immediately greeted by the sight of a very beautiful Red-Tailed Hawk, perched atop one of the light posts. This one did not appear familiar to us—we have seen plenty over our many outings at DF, so have become rather aware of most. From its markings and generally fresh look, it could not have been that old, a young adult, likely. Upon approaching the post, it something in the surrounding field attracted its attention, and this lovely creature took flight. Apparently, the potential prey disappeared, or maybe not what it desired. So, the Red-Tailed flew back up to perch on another light post. Accustomed to visitors, and knowing who is harmless or a pain in the rear (ignorant folks would voice aggravating sounds . . .), we were obviously accepted as ones in the first category. This beauty allowed us to capture the great features, and seemed curious about us, also. Like many birds, it was probably storing our images in a memory bank for future possible encounters.
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 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. 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.
Besides the wonderful diversity of nature’s jewels, Doris Duke has left a part of her legacy through her passion for art—well situated throughout the preserve is a collection of glorious sculptures and fabulous examples of supreme stonework and design in the bridges, old ruins of enormous barns and stables, and a variety of other structures. The old Hay Barn ruin with its fabulous sculpture garden is truly a favorite of ours, for each and every statue seems to possess a spirit and sense of life. The landscape and backdrop can alter the mood, accordingly, depending on the time of day and seasonal changes in particular. So, spotting new and fascinating wildlife (both animals and plants) and art never ceases to add to the experience.