Central Park – One of the Best Places in the U.S. for Watching Migrating Birds

Central Park, New York City

 
New York City’s Central Park has a birding population that rivals that of many forests. (Michael Yamashita/Corbis )

It may come as a surprise, but Central Park in New York City is a birders’ paradise. For decades, the 843-acre park in the center of the city has been an under-the-radar stomping ground for binocular-wielding birders hoping to spy one of the 30-something warbler species that stop here during spring migration before heading farther north. One of the most popular spots in the park for birders is The Ramble, a 36-acre, heavily wooded area that’s less frequented by tourists. Over the years more than 230 species have been seen there, including 40 that reside there year-round. “The diversity of birds there rivals, and in some cases is better than, some forests,” Guida says.

In the spring, the park also holds weekend birding-basics workshops for families interested in honing their birding skills.