Central Park is for the birds, and for those of us who want to watch them and learn more about them. More than 50 varieties of birds can be found here any time of year, and docent guide “Birding Bob” seems to have a personal relationship with each one.
Dr. Robert DeCandido, PhD, better known around Central Park as “Birding Bob,” has been leading guided walks in Central Park for more than twenty years. He hosts a series of walks through the park with Deb Allen, a noted New York City bird and nature photographer, daily, through May.
Cost is $10, and walks last around three hours, but you are free to leave at any time. Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes, and bring water. If you don’t have your own binoculars, they can be rented.
Depending on the tour, starting times are 8:30am, 9am or 9:30am, because birds are most active in the morning. Starting points for tours vary each week, depending on best viewing spots for whatever feathered friends are visiting. Click here for the full spring bird tour schedule. Sign up in advance, or just show up.
The Audobon Society does annual bird counts in Central Park, and the numbers will surprise you, in spring and in winter.
Even in cold weather, birders counted more than 4,200 birds on the 116th Christmas Bird Count a few months ago, including herons, cormorants, hawks and warblers.
For more information, click here.
What do you think about this? We welcome your comments.