We currently offer to guided walks per week:
* 9:00 a.m. Fridays at Conservatory
Gardens at 105th Street and Fifth Avenue
* 9:00 a.m. Sundays at Turtle Pond Dock
* 9:00 a.m. Fridays at Conservatory
Gardens at 105th Street and Fifth Avenue
* 9:00 a.m. Sundays at Turtle Pond Dock
Here are directions to the starting points. The cost of the walks is $5. Walks last about three hours, but you're free to leave anytime. The Sunday walks will continue throughout the winter, and are only cancelled for the most severe weather conditions. We are a hardy bunch!
Bob often has extra binoculars to loan, but it's best to email him ahead to confirm. First time borrowers get them for free and subsequent use is $5 for the bird walk only. If you are thinking of purchasing new binoculars, ask us. We can make recommendations based on your needs, and let you know where to get them for the best price.
Walks starting at Turtle Pond dock or The Boathouse may cover good birding spots such as The Ramble, Balcony Bridge, Bank Rock Bridge, Shakespeare Garden, Belvedere Castle, Azelea Pond, The Oven, Maintenance Meadow, Evodia Field, the birdfeeders (winter only), The Gill, The Point, Strawberry Fields, and Wagner Cove. Of course, birders constantly exchange tips on new sightings so we may travel most anywhere nearby in search of a good bird. Sunday walks usually end around noon at The Boathouse, where many of the birders linger to rest and visit over lunch. A few diehards generally head out after lunch for a second round of birding in the afternoon.
Walks starting at Conservatory Gardens cover the quieter, wilder, and less populated north end of Central Park. Locations visited often include Harlem Meer, the North Woods, The Loch, Great Hill, Wildflower Meadow, and The Pool. There is no set end point to these walks. When it's time to leave, someone will be able to give you directions out of the park, east or west, to wherever you need to go.
The atmosphere of the walks is friendly and informal. While there are many "regulars," newcomers of all abilities -- from beginner to expert -- are always welcome. We enjoy meeting, and learning from, birders from all over the country and the world. Bob & Deb are both excellent educators, and the more experienced birders enjoy helping those just beginning. The Bob birdwalks truly have become a community, and many valuable and lifelong friendships have resulted. In fact, many come along as much for the people and camaraderie as for the birds.
Bob often has extra binoculars to loan, but it's best to email him ahead to confirm. First time borrowers get them for free and subsequent use is $5 for the bird walk only. If you are thinking of purchasing new binoculars, ask us. We can make recommendations based on your needs, and let you know where to get them for the best price.
Walks starting at Turtle Pond dock or The Boathouse may cover good birding spots such as The Ramble, Balcony Bridge, Bank Rock Bridge, Shakespeare Garden, Belvedere Castle, Azelea Pond, The Oven, Maintenance Meadow, Evodia Field, the birdfeeders (winter only), The Gill, The Point, Strawberry Fields, and Wagner Cove. Of course, birders constantly exchange tips on new sightings so we may travel most anywhere nearby in search of a good bird. Sunday walks usually end around noon at The Boathouse, where many of the birders linger to rest and visit over lunch. A few diehards generally head out after lunch for a second round of birding in the afternoon.
Walks starting at Conservatory Gardens cover the quieter, wilder, and less populated north end of Central Park. Locations visited often include Harlem Meer, the North Woods, The Loch, Great Hill, Wildflower Meadow, and The Pool. There is no set end point to these walks. When it's time to leave, someone will be able to give you directions out of the park, east or west, to wherever you need to go.
The atmosphere of the walks is friendly and informal. While there are many "regulars," newcomers of all abilities -- from beginner to expert -- are always welcome. We enjoy meeting, and learning from, birders from all over the country and the world. Bob & Deb are both excellent educators, and the more experienced birders enjoy helping those just beginning. The Bob birdwalks truly have become a community, and many valuable and lifelong friendships have resulted. In fact, many come along as much for the people and camaraderie as for the birds.
copyright © 2008 Robert DeCandido PhD
Your home for information on the birds of New York City's Central Park -- guided bird walks, recent sightings, pictures & much more from Dr. Robert "Birding Bob" DeCandido