Birding

Almost 200 different species of birds can be found in Central Park during the year. Most birds are more active in the early morning and late afternoon, although there will be some activity throughout the day. Some birds live in Central Park all year long while others visit only at certain times of the year. Each spring, many birds migrate from their wintering grounds in Latin America and the Caribbean to breeding areas as far north as Canada; each fall, the birds migrate back. In late spring and summer, many birds in Central Park build their nests, lay eggs, and raise their young. Watch for young birds learning to fly.

Where: All of Central Park is a bird sanctuary, especially for migrating birds who need to find safe places to rest and feed along the way; Central Park is one of the most important stopover points during migration season.

The best place to find warblers and other songbirds in early May are the Ramble (mid-Park from 74th to 79th Streets), the North Woods (mid-Park from 102nd to 106th Streets), and the Great Hill (West 104th Street off Central Park West). In the fall, visit the Ranger Hawk Watch at Belvedere Castle (mid-Park at 79th Street) to see and learn about migrating hawks.

How: Discovery Kit backpacks containing binoculars, a guidebook, maps, and sketching materials are available free of charge from the Central Park Conservancy at the Henry Luce Nature Observatory at Belvedere Castle on an ongoing, year-round basis. Two pieces of identification are required. Ages 6 and up; an adult must accompany children under 12 years of age. Call (212) 772-0210 to reserve a Discovery Kit.

When: Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Permit Requirement: No permit required.

Related Class: Experimental Science and Nature Fun program is an ongoing year-round Central Park Conservancy program for all ages at Belvedere Castle. Observe science experiments as the whole family is introduced to the basics of Central Park ecology. Learn about botany, geology, weather, and animal habitats through demonstrations that use elements from the Ramble and Turtle Pond as the laboratory. Classes are held at Belvedere Castle, Tuesdays through Sundays, 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.