From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
May 22, 2025
Norman J Levy Park & Preserve hours: May to August: 7 am – 7:30 pm
Spring at Merrick park on L.I.’s South Shore
On Monday, I went to Norman J Levy Park & Preserve for the first time this spring. The main parking lot was full, likely thanks to the cool, pleasant weather and the end of the spring semester for most U.S. colleges.
• Meadow Brook Creek
The creek looked mystical as dusk approached, with tall reeds (Phragmites and Typha laxmannii) glowing golden wherever direct sunlight touched them.
Merrick, New York, U.S. May 19, 2025. Visitors take path to the creek lined with reeds at Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve as dusk approaches. (© 2025 Ann Parry, annparry.com)
• Eastern cottontail rabbits
A very young bunny and an older one – Eastern cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus) – caught my attention on the lawn near the park’s ranger station. Being more used to seeing people than the wild rabbits at my home front and backyards are, these bunnies didn’t immediately hop far away.
Because I captured the images below with a NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S macro lens, they’re detailed and sharp but strongly cropped. My NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR lens would be a useful addition for future visits.
Merrick, New York, U.S. May 19, 2025. This wild bunny, an Eastern cottontail rabbit, isn’t much bigger than the weeds it’s eating at Norman J Levy Park & Preserve during a pleasant spring day. (© 2025 Ann Parry, annparry.com)
Merrick, New York, U.S. May 19, 2025. This wild bunny, an Eastern Cottontail rabbit, is hopping across the mowed lawn at Norman J Levy Park & Preserve during a pleasant spring day. (© 2025 Ann Parry, annparry.com)
Merrick, New York, U.S. May 19, 2025. This Eastern cottontail rabbit and bee are crossing paths at Norman J Levy Park & Preserve during a pleasant spring day. (© 2025 Ann Parry, annparry.com)
Merrick, New York, U.S. May 19, 2025. This Eastern cottontail rabbit is looking around at Norman J Levy Park & Preserve during a pleasant spring dusk. (© 2025 Ann Parry, annparry.com)
Merrick, New York, U.S. May 19, 2025. This Eastern cottontail rabbit is looking around at Norman J Levy Park & Preserve during a pleasant spring dusk. (© 2025 Ann Parry, annparry.com)
Merrick, New York, U.S. May 19, 2025. This Eastern cottontail rabbit is hopping across the lawn at Norman J Levy Park & Preserve during a pleasant spring dusk. (© 2025 Ann Parry, annparry.com)
• selfie
Merrick, New York, U.S. May 19, 2025. Ann Parry captures iPhone selfie by creek at Norman J. Levy Park & Preserve at dusk. (© 2025 Ann Parry, annparry.com)
• FEATURE PHOTO (at top of post): Merrick, New York, U.S. May 19, 2025. This wild bunny – an Eastern Cottontail that’s a member of the Sulvilagus genus – lives at Norman J Levy Park & Preserve.
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