After spending Thanksgiving with family, we jetted off to New York City for a different kind of post-holiday tradition: urban birding. Central Park is a favorite of ours, and we had an online tip to meet up with a local guide, Birding Bob, who regularly leads casual tours through the park.
Our first stop was a visit to One World Trade, where we rode up to the observatory at the very top. The day was incredibly clear, giving us a magnificent 360-degree view of Manhattan and the surrounding area. On the way back, we couldn’t resist a quick trip to Macy’s, which was, as you can imagine, an absolute madhouse on Black Friday.
A Morning with Birding Bob
Saturday morning was chilly, with temperatures in the mid-forties, when we met Bob at the Boathouse. Bob is not only a likable guy but also an excellent birder who knows Central Park like the back of his hand. We immediately found several Tufted Titmice in the bushes along the path through the Ramble, a species that was part of a major irruption in the Northeast during the fall of 2018.
Next, we spotted a Fox Sparrow kicking up leaves with a few White-throated Sparrows nearby. The vibrant Northern Cardinals were a stunning contrast against the winter backdrop.
It was a great day for raptors as well; we saw a Cooper’s Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Barred Owl, and a Merlin. The Barred Owl was in its usual spot near Belvedere Castle, giving us a great photo opportunity.
All in all, it was a great morning of birding, with a total of 26 species in Central Park. Some of the standouts included a Pine Siskin, White and Red-breasted Nuthatches, a Hermit Thrush, and many Wood Ducks.
Fort Tilden and Hoboken
Sunday morning, we took a side trip to Fort Tilden Beach on our way to New Jersey. We added several coastal species to our list, most notably Brant, Black Scoter, Northern Gannet, and a couple of Great Black-backed Gulls.
If you’re ever in NYC, here are two things for your must-do list. First, sign up for a birding tour with Birding Bob. It’s the best $10 you’ll ever spend. Second, take a trip to Hoboken for magnificent views of the NYC skyline. While you’re there, be sure to visit Carlo’s Bakery, home of the “Cake Boss.”
Trip Birds: 38 Life Birds: 0
Next Up: Atlanta and Jekyll Island
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