New York City is home to more than 600 species of wildlife. Some are full-time residents, like red-tail hawks and white-tailed deer, and others are just passing through on their annual migrations North or South, including the occasional whale.
Keep track of them with a new FREE wildlife calendar and map, issued by the NYC Dept. of Parks. Search by location, month or type of animal to see when and where the animals are at their most visible.
That includes bald eagle hatchlings, who take their first flights around Inwood Hill Park in Northern Manhattan and Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens.and Conference House parks.
The calendar can be used to see other animals like Virginia opossums, red foxes, seals, spotted salamanders, piping plovers and owls. More species are being added as time goes on, according to the Parks Department.
There’s also a New York State map of where to see wildlife in New York City, including the Peregrine falcon, which can fly up to 200mph when it’s after a meal.
Peregrines nesting boxes exist on most Hudson River bridges from Albany to New York City.
The new map and calendar is part of the Parks Department’s WildlifeNYC campaign, launched last fall to spread awareness about wildlife in the city, especially deer and coyote, primarily on Staten Island and The Bronx, so that animals and humans can peacefully coexist.
Want to know more about the birds and the bees? The Parks Department also has a specific website page for wildlife events, including FREE birding tours,
“With more than 600 species living in our city, there are plentiful opportunities to witness these magnificent animals in their element,” Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver said. “There’s no need to leave New York City to see wildlife.”
But you do have to leave Times Square to see real wildlife.
What do you think about this? We welcome your comments.