WNJ Exclusive: Birdwatchers flock to Central Park each weekend for "Birding Bob" tours
Magnolia Warbler.
Photo Credit: Robert DeCandido
by David Wheeler
For migrating birds flying along the Great Atlantic Flyway, miles and miles of sprawl and paved surfaces suddenly give way to a vast expanse of green. Like desert travelers finding an oasis in the Sahara, it's easy to imagine birds celebrating their good fortune when they arrive at Central Park in Manhattan.
Many birders feel the same way about Central Park during spring migration. Few places in the northeastern United States can rival Central Park for its diversity and sheer numbers of birds passing through. Over 230 species of birds can be found in New York City during a typical year, and Central Park hosts many of them.
Many birders feel the same way about Central Park during spring migration. Few places in the northeastern United States can rival Central Park for its diversity and sheer numbers of birds passing through. Over 230 species of birds can be found in New York City during a typical year, and Central Park hosts many of them.
Red-winged Blackbird.
Photo Credit: Robert DeCandido
Dr. Robert DeCandido, PhD, has led birding tours of Central Park for the past 17 years, and is known for his knowledge and enthusiasm. Through the rest of May, "Birding Bob" will be offering tours - co-hosted by renowned nature photographer Deb Allen - every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 9 AM. The Sunday and Tuesday tours meet at The Dock at Turtle Pond, while the Friday walk meets at the Conservatory Garden and the Saturday walk meets at The Boathouse.
Recent highlights from the walks include Louisiana waterthrush, rough-winged swallow, Baltimore oriole, blue-headed vireo, chimney swift, and peregrine falcon.
The weekend birding walks cost $10, and the weekday walks are only $5. For more information on the tours or meeting locations, visit www.BirdingBob.com. Deb Allen's photography can be found by clicking here.
David Wheeler is writing a book on nature and the outdoors in New York City. He is the author of Wild New Jersey: Nature Adventures in the Garden State.
Recent highlights from the walks include Louisiana waterthrush, rough-winged swallow, Baltimore oriole, blue-headed vireo, chimney swift, and peregrine falcon.
The weekend birding walks cost $10, and the weekday walks are only $5. For more information on the tours or meeting locations, visit www.BirdingBob.com. Deb Allen's photography can be found by clicking here.
David Wheeler is writing a book on nature and the outdoors in New York City. He is the author of Wild New Jersey: Nature Adventures in the Garden State.
Posted by WILDNEWJERSEY at 5/1/2012 6:00 AM 
Categories: WNJ Exclusives, Birds, Don's Jersey Birding
Tags: birdwatching birding birds central park migrating birds manhattan New York City Birding Bob
Categories: WNJ Exclusives, Birds, Don's Jersey Birding
Tags: birdwatching birding birds central park migrating birds manhattan New York City Birding Bob
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