Birding

Approximately 230 different species of birds can be found in Central Park during the year with some birds living in the Park year round and several species making an important stopover to rest and feed during spring and fall migrations. Most birds are more active in the early morning and late afternoon with some activity throughout the day. In late spring and summer you can watch for young birds learning to fly as many birds in Central Park build their nests, lay eggs and raise their young in the Park at this time of year.

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 Belvedere Castle (mid-Park at 79th Street) to look for migrating hawks from the upper terraces.

Be sure to check out our Birding for Families Program every Sunday in the spring (March - May) and fall (September  - November) from 10:00 am - 11:00 pm. Bring your family on a tour guided by the NYC Audubon Society as you observer all the feathered activity of both migratory birds and those who are year-round residents.

You can also take yourself on a birding adventure with one of the Central Park Conservancy Discovery Kits available to borrow, free of charge, at Belvedere Castle on an ongoing, year-round basis from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm (must be returned by 4:00 pm). Each kit contains: binoculars, a guidebook, maps and sketching materials. Valid picture ID required and an adult must accompany children under 12 years of age. For more information, call 212-772-0210.