Located in Central Park’s Ramble, the Evodia Field has the only sanctioned bird feeders in the park. They are supported by great volunteers. Indirectly, they end up feeding one or two Cooper’s Hawks who enjoy the buffet of sparrows and similarly sized birds during the winter. One young Cooper’s Hawk in particular is enjoying the easy pickings this Fall.
The Pond had the Mandarin Duck, who had returned, but also had an unusual visitor for so late in the year, a Juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron. As a birder, the Heron won. As a photographer, the Mandarin Duck won. So, I guess it was a tie.
As the title says, “Juvenile Red-tailed Hawk Eats A Tuffted Titmouse”. Viewer beware. (The video is without audio as there was a middle school class watching the Red-tailed Hawk eat.)
South of Sparrow Rock and across the West Drive there was a flock of at least 45 Cedar Waxwings eating berries this afternoon. The Cedar Waxwing is a beautiful bird and it was great to watch a flock this large.
The male Mandarin Duck continues to be New York City’s most famous escapee. Even the discovery that he spends time in New Jersey hasn’t tarnished his reputation. Lucky for him he doesn’t have to take PATH or NJ Transit!
The Mandarin Duck took the snow in stride this afternoon on Central Park’s Pond. Although the weather had deteriorated when I arrived, it was nice not to have to deal with the duck’s crazy fans. They’ve trashed the landscaping on the east shore of The Pond. They’re also feeding the ducks (and rats) bread and pretzels which are unhealthy for the ducks and is prohibited by the Parks Department.
The area around where the Mandarin Duck is residing is filled with wonderful wildlife. Mallards, Wood Ducks, Canada Geese, American Coots, Red-tailed Hawks, American Kestrels, and Raccoons are always there in the winter, with many more birds and animals in the summer. Nearby are a set of trees in Grand Army Plaza where hundreds of birds come to roost each evening. The Hallett Nature Sanctuary, which is now open year round, is a wonderful place to enjoy nature and is on the west shore of the Pond. The sanctuary has hosted at least two coyotes in years past.
There is so much more to see at The Pond than just one duck. It’s sad to see people come into the park, motivated by their FOMO (fear of missing out) who stay at a frenetic NYC pace, rather than slowing down and enjoy a park that was designed specifically to be a restorative place for city dwellers.
