Though smaller than Central Park’s two largest natural areas, the Ramble and the North End, the Park’s southeast corner combines rich natural habitat and fresh water to create an extremely accessible and picturesque wildlife-watching spot. The descriptively named “Pond,” located just inside the Park at 59th Street and Fifth Avenue, hosts a regular contingent of ducks that often includes Wood Duck and other less common species (including, in 2019, an escaped male Mandarin Duck that took the City by storm). Black-crowned Night-Herons often roost along the Pond’s inner bank..

 

The Pond’s overhanging trees are popular with migrant warblers, vireos, and other songbirds, and the marshy areas and edge habitat north and south of the picturesque Gapstow Bridge can be particularly productive. Check for foraging swallow, and for both Northern and Louisiana Waterthrush. (Get here early, as this area can give very busy with tourists.)

 

The wooded hillside rising on the Pond’s northeastern side is the Hallett Nature Sanctuary--a protected woodland that was completely closed to visitors from 1934 to 2001. Since 2013, the Central Park Conservancy has maintained regular visiting hours and tours so that one may bird this pristine area, which attracts a good variety of land birds during migration. 

Just north of the 65th Street transverse lie two open areas that offer both iconic views and excellent birding, particularly during migration. On the east side is the Dene Slope, a wildflower meadow that is a recent creation of the Central Park Conservancy. Native wildflowers and grasses here provide excellent habitat for both bees, butterflies, and birds. Check for low-foraging warblers such as Common Yellowthroat, Magnolia Warbler, and Orange-crowned Warbler (particularly in late fall), and for sparrows including Lincoln’s. You may spot hunting raptors here, including year-round American Kestrel  and Red-tailed Hawk and Cooper’s Hawk (during migration and over the winter). 

 

The sprawling Sheep Meadow is a very popular spot with sunbathers and revelers during the warmer months, but early birders that beat the crowd may find grassland species such as Eastern Meadowlark or American Pipit here during migration, as well as mixed sparrow flocks and ground-foraging Northern Flickers. The edge habitat around the meadow is attractive to warblers and other migrants.

Since 1994, a pair of Red-tailed Hawks has nested on an ornamental window pediment of a Fifth Avenue apartment at 74th Street. The best vantage for observing nesting and fledging activities is from the west side of Central Park’s model boat pond (Conservatory Water). During April, May, and June, a scope trained on the nest is likely to be at this location. Don’t hesitate to ask if you can take a look. Central Park birders are pleased to share the antics of the red-tails. 

 

Several other Red-tailed Hawk pairs now nest in other areas in or near Central Park, and Red-tails have become a commonplace sighting throughout the park, year-round. As they hunt for Gray Squirrels, Rock Pigeons, and other unwary prey, they provide a striking bit of “Wild America” right in Manhattanites’ “back yard.” Fledglings can be rather clumsy and unconcerned around humans; make sure to keep a respectful distance, and enjoy the show. Learn more about the incredible rise of Red-tailed Hawks in New York City in the past few decades on our Red-tailed Hawks in NYC page. 

The Ramble, the 37-acre jumble of wooded hills (Olmsted’s “wilderness”) in the center of the Park, runs from 72nd Street to 79th Street. You can approach this world-famous birding area from various vantage points—and on your way, stop first at one of several high points in the Park that catch first light, and attract hungry migrants that feast on hatching insect larvae in the spring. 

 

From the West Side at 72nd Street, start at Strawberry Fields, a long meadows bordered by tall oaks and other trees that attract migrating warblers, tanagers, orioles, and grosbeaks—as well as shrubby areas popular with thrushes and sparrows. You can walk down a winding path at Strawberry Fields’ northern end, and cross the West Drive (watch for speeding cyclists) to the Lake.

Check both sides of the Balcony Bridge; which crosses a small creek that enters the Lake. The west side overlooks a shady ravine that is a popular bathing stop for birds, and a very good waterthrush spot. A smaller bridge crossing to the west, Triplets Bridge, also provides a good vantage point, and the meadows along the pathway heading north are a good spot for mixed sparrow flocks. Either way, you can then enter the Ramble across the Oak Bridge.

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Another options is to enter the park at 81st or 85th and climb to the top of Summit Rock, another open area bordered by tall oaks that can be full of songbirds; the shaded woods here are also popular with thrushes. Tanner’s Spring, just south of Summit Rock, is a small natural water source where birds often come to drink and bathe; later in the morning, this spot can stay productive when other areas quiet down.

 

If you head to Turtle Pond or the Ramble from Summit Rock, after crossing West Drive, stop by the aptly Sparrow Rock. There are actually several large rocky outcroppings in this area, interspersed with patches of wildflowers, shrubs, and trees, and during migration the habitat can be quite lively with warblers, and yes, sparrows. 

If you’re coming from the east, several high points provide good early birding to hungry migrants, as well as occasional out-of-the-way roosting spots for owls. Entering at 72nd Street, Pilgrim Hill (named for its commemorative statue to the “Pilgrim Fathers”) is just north of the transverse and makes a convenient first stop. Check for flycatchers, sparrows, and other songbirds. 

 

Just northwest, overlooking the lake’s boat dock, is “Pine Hill,” recognizable by the grove of evergreens (which include both Eastern White and Austrian Pines) at its peak. These trees have hosted roosting Great Horned, Barred, and Barn Owl at different times (please be careful to avoid disturbing any owls you find), and the hill is a good spot for other evergreen-loving species like kinglets and Red-breasted Nuthatch, along with warblers and sparrows.

Cherry Hill lies even further inside the park, west of Bethesda Fountain and directly south of the Bow Bridge. The hill’s grassy crown is adorned with two rows of pin oaks planted at right angles that attract flocks of birds in spring, and its open areas attract flocks of sparrows along with ground-feeding warblers such as Palm Warbler.

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If you enter the park from north of the Ramble on the east side, Cedar Hill is a good stop; named for the Eastern Red Cedars that grace it, this is another spot to check for migrants as well as evergreen-loving species, including owls.

As many as six species of owl winter in the park. Great-horned, Barred, and Northern Saw-whet owls are the most common of the wintering owls. Long-eared Owls have become less frequent in recent years, and Barn Owls and Screech-Owls are quite rare. Please keep a respectful distance from roosting owls, so as not to disturb them; once flushed, they may be unable to escape harassing crows and jays. (If an owl is staring right at you, you are probably too close to it!) Read more about "Responsible Owl-Watching" on our Birding Law & Ethics page.

As you head to the Ramble, you can’t miss the Central Park Lake, which creates the Ramble’s southern edge. From the Lake’s shore you may see a variety of waterfowl on the Lake, including Northern Shoveler (in winter), Wood Duck, and Double-crested Cormorant, as well as wading birds such as Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, and Green Heron. Black-crowned Night-Herons often roost in low willows over the water--both by Hernsead and along the edge of "the Point," the wooded peninsula that juts south from the Ramble. 

 

Belted Kingfisher can been seen (and heard) fishing here, and during migration the brushy lake edges are popular with Eastern Phoebe, Swamp Sparrow, and warblers including both waterthrush species. Many springs, a Prothonotary Warbler may be found foraging along the Lake’s shaded northern shoreline. In summer, nesting Warbling Vireo, Eastern Kingbird, and Baltimore Oriole can be heard vocalizing all around the Lake.

The wooded, rocky peninsula of Hernshead on the Lake’s western side is always a worthwhile stop. It provides a good vantage point on any waterbirds on the Lake, and holds some excellent marshy edge habitat on both the northern and southern sides. Move slowly along the path that traces its southern edge, as birds often quietly forage here and will be flushed if you move too fast. 

On the northern shore of Hernshead, willows hanging over the water, visible from large flat rocks just northwest of the tip, are often full of warblers and flycatchers. Waterthrushes also love this area. Search carefully for roosting Black-crowned Night-Herons. 

The Ramble is a world-renowned birding destination for good reason: it can provide a surreal birding experience on a lucky spring or fall day, as its diverse native plantings, naturally managed woodland, and freshwater stream attract an astounding density of migrating songbirds, often viewable at close range. 

 

Enter the Ramble proper via the Oak Bridge at the west, Bow Bridge at the south, Belvedere Castle at the north, or from various entrance points on the east side including the entrance by the Loeb Boathouse. The Boathouse includes an indoor/outdoor café to stop and rest, a more formal dining room overlooking the lake, and a longtime paper birding log, still updated in the age of eBird.

 

A well-maintained system of trails (see a map here[add LINK]) leads to many favorite birding spots known to local regulars, including the Upper Lobe, Willow Rock, Oven, Point, Azalea Pond, Summer House, Tupelo Meadow, and Maintenance Meadow, where spring and fall birds rest and feed. The Ramble’s meadows attract Palm Warblers, Hermit Thrushes, Chipping, Field, and White-throated Sparrows, Dark-eyed Junco, and Indigo Bunting, all gobbling seeds or chasing bugs.

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Azalea Pond, the Point, Willow Rock, and Summer House all host migrating warblers of many species, as well as orioles, tanagers, grosbeaks, flycatchers, cuckoos, and vireos. Thirsty migrants often come down to drink and bathe in the Gill, the Ramble’s artificial but beautifully landscaped stream, at several points where crossing bridges can offer close views of coveted species such as Cape May or Blackburnian Warbler, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and Scarlet (and occasionally Summer) Tanager.

On the first warm days of May, be on the look-out for a “termite hatch-out,” when termites hatch out of rotting logs in these naturally maintained woodlands. Though to the uninitiated this may sound like something to be avoided at all costs, songbirds flock to such a hatch-out in droves—and birds of all sorts may be oblivious to onlookers at they feed very low down and on the ground, and flutter back and forth to catch the slow-flying insects.

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In late summer, Jewelweed patches in the Oven and by the Upper Lobe are some of the surest opportunities in the City to watch feeding Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. In fall, fruiting trees are crowded with feeding Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Northern Flicker, Cedar Waxwing, and up to six thrush species. In winter through spring, the feeding station at Evodia Field provides some very leisurely birding, and occasional rarities. Check here in May for visiting Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. If feeding birds are ambushed by a hunting Sharp-shinned or Cooper’s Hawk, escaping birds explode in all directions.

North of the Ramble lies Turtle Pond, just south of the Great Lawn. Many birders may pass by this area before entering the Ramble as well. The best vantage points on the pond are from Belvedere Castle, from a stone terrace at the Pond’s eastern end, and from a wooden nature-viewing walkway and platform at the pond’s northwest corner, by Delacorte Theater. The Pond may host waterfowl such as Mallards, Wood and American Black Ducks, Gadwalls, and Buffleheads. You may also find waterbirds including Great Blue and Green Heron, and if you’re lucky, Wilson’s Snipe. 

 

Depending on the season, the trees lining the Pond attract passing Belted Kingfisher, Eastern Kingbirds, Tufted Titmouse, kinglets, warblers, and orioles. True to its name, Turtle Pond is also home to five species of turtle. Both in spring and fall, Red-eared Sliders, the Park’s most common turtle, crowd each other on the rocks to bask in the sun. In summer, scan the Pickerel Weed and sedge on the north side for dragonflies. During their fall migration, hundreds of green darner dragonflies and monarch butterflies pass through as well. The shady path along the Pond’s southern edge provides great habitat for migrating warblers and flycatchers—and leads up to Belvedere Castle, and also into the Ramble.

Belvedere Castle’s grand architecture provides a viewing deck from which you can observe Turtle Pond—and watch treetop songbirds without incurring “warbler neck” (muscle strain caused by repeatedly peering upward into the treetops!). Belvedere Castle also provides the perfect spot for watching the fall migration of hawks: Ten thousand raptors (of 15 species) have been counted migrating over Central Park in a single autumn season. On a good September day, observers have tallied thousands of Broad-winged Hawk and as many as 125 American Kestrel, 75 Osprey, and 10 Bald Eagle.

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In early October, Peregrine Falcon come through along with the agile forest hawks known as accipiters. Accipiter migration begins in mid-September and continues into early November. In a single day, it is possible to see more than 100 Sharp-shinned Hawk, dozens of Cooper’s Hawk and, on very rare occasions, Northern Goshawk. Turkey Vulture become numerous by mid-October. 

 

In late October, Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks pass over. In November and early December, the last of the migrating Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, and buteos are seen. Also in October, flocks of songbirds, such as Blue Jay, Eastern Bluebird, and Cedar Waxwing are seen as well as waterbirds, including Common Loon, Double-crested Cormorant, Canvasback, and Greater Scaup. It is not uncommon to count several thousand Snow and Canada Geese, winging their way over this urban parkland.

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The lovely hillside Shakespeare Garden, just west of the castle, is often very productive. Stop at its large semicircular stone bench and overlook: the Eastern Hemlocks and other trees along the path below often attracts warblers and nuthatches, and are a good spot to check for winter finches. 

 

The garden’s Cardinal Flower attracts hummingbirds in late summer. Check the evergreens along the grassy clearing between Belvedere Castle and the garden slope, as well as several smaller evergreens in the garden itself, which sometimes provide wintertime owl roosts. 

On the west side of the Great Lawn, just north of Delacorte Theater, is the Locust Grove. Locust wood is popular with woodpeckers because it is relatively soft for digging winter roosts. Here you may see Red-bellied, Downy, and occasionally a Red-headed Woodpecker—and during migration, the tall trees are popular with warblers, orioles, and other songbirds. The Woodchip Path winding through the grove is a good spot for sparrows and thrushes. Keep an eye on the Great Lawn, viewable from all sides, for foraging swallows, hunting Peregrine Falcon and Merlin, and occasional grassland birds such as Bobolink, that may stop during migration.

 

North of the Locust Grove you enter the Arthur Ross Pinetum. This is a likely spot during migration and over the winter for Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches, Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and Yellow-rumped and Pine Warblers in spring and fall. Make sure to check for signs of roosting owls—owl pellets or “whitewash” on the ground beneath the evergreens—as several species including Great Horned, Barred, and Long-eared may be found here, particularly in winter. You can you exit the Pinetum at the West Drive, or walk through the East Pinetum to exit at the east. Cross over the 86th Street Transverse to visit the Reservoir. 

The 106-acre Reservoir stretches from 85th to 94th Street, slightly closer to the East Side (Fifth Avenue) than to the West Side (Central Park West). This sheltered body of water, no longer used as a water source for the City, provides easy waterfowl-watching through the winter (as long as it doesn’t freeze) and through April, as migrating birds stop by. Northern Shovelers, Bufflehead, Ruddy Ducks, Hooded Mergansers, and American Coots are joined by smaller numbers of loons and grebes, and occasional rarities. 

 

A raised dike runs through the reservoir just below water-level, and is a favorite resting spot for cormorants and gulls; careful gull-watchers equipped with a spotting scope may find a wintering Iceland or Glaucous Gull among Herring, Ring-billed, and Great Black-backed Gulls. Watch for sudden upset among these birds, as it may indicate a hunting Peregrine Falcon—a nesting pair from the Park’s West Side often perches at the Reservoir’s north end. 

The Park’s northern end, though perhaps less well known than the Ramble in birding circles outside NYC, boasts beautiful woodland, grassland, and wetland habitat—and attracts a diversity of birdlife to rival any other hotspot in the City. As the Ramble provides an anchor of natural habitat in the Park’s central section, the North Woods, a 90-acre natural woodland, serves this function in the northern end of the Park. (Please note that like in all the more remote areas of the park, it’s a good idea to bird here with a friend.) 

 

103rd Street and Central Park West can be useful as an entry point on the West Side, though there are a number of pedestrian entrances that provide access. A stop by the Pool may provide close views of dabbling ducks, Green Heron, or Belted Kingfisher—and its overhanging willows are popular with migrating warblers and flycatchers.

Various paths lead up through the copses and glades of the Great Hill—which can swarm with warblers, orioles, and tanagers on a big migration day in both spring and fall. The hilltop’s tall oaks, elms, and tulip poplars can be particularly productive for songbirds. 

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North of the North Drive lies the North Woods proper; its mature trees and naturally maintained forest floor attract many thrushes and other songbirds, and in spring, the rocky outcroppings near the Block House can provide eye-level views of warblers or tanagers foraging in the oak catkins. Take your time along the several woodland paths leading from the Great Hill to the North Woods, as these paths can also be full of warblers.

 

The High Meadow a clearing at the woods’ summit, and the Lily Ponds, a historical feature now consisting of descending ephemeral wetlands, can be superb spots for migrants. Several woodchip paths descend along the North Woods’ eastern side into the Ravine; the dense underbrush of this hillside attracts thrushes as well as less common warbler species including Hooded, and occasionally, Kentucky Warblers. 

The Ravine comprises wooded slopes descending to the meandering Loch, a babbling brook coursing over falls and winding through slow boggy areas from its source at the Pool. Overhung with tall hardwoods, the paths and viewing platforms along the Loch provide some of the most tranquil and thrilling birding in the Park—particularly when songbirds come to feed and bathe here in the late morning. Ovenbirds love this area, both north and south of the path that follows the Loch.

 

In the late summer and fall, when the Loch becomes alive again with migrating birds, the large beds of Jewelweed here are attractive to Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. In the winter, owls and accipiters are frequently spotted roosting or hunting here. Red-tailed Hawks live in the area year-round.

Paths from the Loch’s eastern bank lead up through peaceful woods, popular with thrushes and a good spot for Winter Wren, to the Wildflower Meadow, where House Wren breeds. Ruby-crowned Kinglets, American Goldfinches, flycatchers and warblers like this low, brushy area. 

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At its northern end, the Loch feeds under a stone bridge into The Meer, a lake that hosts waterfowl in migration and during mild winters. The Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, which runs nature programs for all ages, is located on the northern shore of the Meer, accessible from 110th Street and Fifth Avenue. Immediately south of the Meer is an elevated area, Nutter’s Battery, with a series of rock outcroppings that are excellent in migration for sparrows, including less common species such as White-crowned Sparrow.

South of the Discovery Center at Fifth Avenue and 105 Street is the entrance to the Conservatory Garden, which delights flower-lovers most of the year. In late fall, the garden’s crabapple trees are filled with American Robin, Gray Catbird, and huge flocks of Cedar Waxwing devouring the fruit. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds can often be found feeding on various flowers in both the spring and fall.

 

Though it may not sound like a particularly promising destination, the park’s Compost Heap has become a popular spot for in-the-know Central Park birders. There are two areas here of open meadows and shrubby edge habitat, including a field viewable through a tall chain-link fence, that attract warblers, flycatchers, and sparrows during migration.