Friends of Brightwood Park
  • Home
  • PRESERVE & RESTORE
    • Ecology >
      • RutgersSiteVisit
      • Ponds
      • Reforestation
    • Invasive Species
    • NativePlants
    • Trails Maintenance
    • Clean Ups
    • ScoutProjects
    • noelTaylor
  • ENJOY
    • Calendar
    • Photos
    • GreenHerons
    • Birding
    • Trail Maps
    • coyotes
  • B W Kids
    • Nature Detectives - the latest news
  • History
    • neighborhood
  • About
    • Board of Directors
    • Chuan-Chu Chou Blog
    • Perspectives on the Park
    • MemberInfo >
      • archive
    • presidentReport-Jan-21
    • Volunteer Spotlight
    • newsletters
    • PastEvents >
      • Halloween-24
      • brightwoodDay-24
      • Halloween-23
      • halloween-22
      • brightwoodDay-23
  • Shop
  • JOIN
  • Home
  • PRESERVE & RESTORE
    • Ecology >
      • RutgersSiteVisit
      • Ponds
      • Reforestation
    • Invasive Species
    • NativePlants
    • Trails Maintenance
    • Clean Ups
    • ScoutProjects
    • noelTaylor
  • ENJOY
    • Calendar
    • Photos
    • GreenHerons
    • Birding
    • Trail Maps
    • coyotes
  • B W Kids
    • Nature Detectives - the latest news
  • History
    • neighborhood
  • About
    • Board of Directors
    • Chuan-Chu Chou Blog
    • Perspectives on the Park
    • MemberInfo >
      • archive
    • presidentReport-Jan-21
    • Volunteer Spotlight
    • newsletters
    • PastEvents >
      • Halloween-24
      • brightwoodDay-24
      • Halloween-23
      • halloween-22
      • brightwoodDay-23
  • Shop
  • JOIN






brightwood park discoveries



A Rainy Day in Winter

2/4/2022

 
​It appeared to be not a typical winter.  In the past couple of days, the daytime temperature was approaching 50 degrees Fahrenheit.  Walking with a winter coat could make one sweat.  


Although it has been raining, watching the developing fog and the water drops on tree branches in my backyard, I figured that Brightwood park must be very pretty at this time.  As soon as there was a break from the rain, I ran to the park which never disappointed me.

The park was like a lady with her face covered with a beautiful veil.  The red fruits with water drops hanging looked like wet eyes of old friends at their happy reunion. 


I saw a blue jay whose feathers not looking as bright as they usually were.  I wonder it was because the bird just got off the bed and had not dress up yet.  It was also possible the bird being in a transition of getting a new outfit.  When I looked at the pictures again, I was unsure where these were photographs, or paintings made by a crazy artist's‘ random strokes.

When I stood at the shore of the big pond, a pair of mallard ducks headed toward me, like old friends coming to greet.  The female one with a broken wing was accompanied by her faithful male partner.  I was touched by their loyalty to each other and their courage of staying in the park even in bitter coldness with a shortage of food.  I also felt guilty when I forgot to bring something to treat friends like them.

Because of the newly installed air pumps, there are circle areas in the big pond that remain unfrozen.  Geese and ducks, particularly a small group of wood ducks, loved to hang out in these mini-ponds.  Thanks again to FOBP Committee for the effort of getting the township making improvements in the past summer.

I was also glad to see the paved trail remaining in good shape.  The paving helped to melt the snow, providing safety for old people and children.  

I really appreciate the members of FOBP who made a big difference in making the park a nice environment by removing a huge amount of invasive species and junks hidden in covered areas.  I am sure the park will become even better in the coming months when spring comes.

winter
​ducks

All


Comments are closed.

    Chuan-Chu Chou

    I am a frequent visitor of Brightwood Park and enjoy sharing my discoveries.


    Archives

    April 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022

    ducks
    fox
    pond
    ​owl

    All

    RSS Feed

Location

Brightwood Park is on the North end of Prospect Street.  Go past Franklin School and look for the entrance on the left.

What Our Members Are Saying

"I love the work you are doing at Brightwood.  Your efforts have shone a light on the essential elements of the park that we all cherish: its natural beauty and tranquility."

"I have a deep fondness for Brightwood park and would like to see it restored, remain natural and continue to be a site of passive recreation."

"I loved growing up in Brightwood Park !"


"I found Brightwood a few years ago and it's a great place to find wildlife, fish, and enjoy nature. Nice and quiet; good place to un wind and relax. Love it!!!"

​"As a resident for almost thirty years in the Brightwood area of Westfield, I am thrilled to see what is happening to improve and preserve Brightwood park for today and future generations. "


Contact Us

Email
Donate

BECOME A MEMBER!
We'd love to have you join us!