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, has been leading guided birding walks in Central Park for more than twenty years. He hosts daily walks through a different part of Central Park each day in May, with Deb Allen, a noted New York City bird and nature photographer. So along with learning about birds, you’ll learn how to photograph them.
SEE ALSO Birding tours in Bryant Park
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 7:30am, 8am or 9am, because birds are most active in the morning.
Starting points for tours vary each day, 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 last year, including herons, cormorants, hawks and warblers.
For more information, click here.
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