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NYC's Wildlife Hotspots

NYC's Wildlife Hotspots

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Created by MetroFocus • Updated On: March 30, 2012

The seals are in the harbor and parrots are building their nests in Brooklyn. It's official, folks. Spring has sprung! Here's where and how to get in sync with the season in and around NYC...

Brooklyn Bridge Park is one of NYC's Wildlife Hotspots.

1. Brooklyn Bridge Park

9.6
Furman St (Plymouth St), Brooklyn, NY
Park · Brooklyn Heights · 418 tips and reviews

MetroFocusMetroFocus: If exotic bird watching is your thing, the Cove at Brooklyn Bridge Park is the place to be. From April to May, over 60 different species flock to this area. Read about more nature spots on MetroFocus Read more.

Boathouse & Audubon Center is one of NYC's Wildlife Hotspots.

2. Boathouse & Audubon Center

9.3
Hill Dr (at East Dr), Brooklyn, NY
Monument · Prospect Park · 23 tips and reviews

MetroFocusMetroFocus: Are you a bird watching novice? The Audubon Center in Prospect Park hosts an introductory bird watching course every Saturday from 12 to 1:30 p.m. Read more about NYC wildlife hotspots on MetroFocus Read more.

Pelham Bay Park is one of NYC's Wildlife Hotspots.

3. Pelham Bay Park

8.7
Pelham Bay Park, Bronx, NY
Park · 27 tips and reviews

MetroFocusMetroFocus: This park is bustling with wildlife like the horseshoe crab, which migrates here in droves for mating season in May. For more nature spots in and around NY visit MetroFocus Read more.

Van Cortlandt Park is one of NYC's Wildlife Hotspots.

4. Van Cortlandt Park

9.2
Broadway (W. 242nd St.), Bronx, NY
Park · Van Cortlandt Park · 68 tips and reviews

MetroFocusMetroFocus: With over 1,000 acres, Van Cortlandt Park is sure to please with its hiking trails that let you reconnect with nature. Don't forget your walking shoes & camera! Find more nature spots on MetroFocus Read more.

Conservatory Garden is one of NYC's Wildlife Hotspots.

5. Conservatory Garden

9.5
1231 5th Ave (at 105th St), New York, NY
Garden · Central Park · 66 tips and reviews

MetroFocusMetroFocus: After 17 years of leading bird tours through Central Park, Birding Bob really knows his stuff. You can catch his weekend tours at the Conservatory Garden Fridays at 9AM. Don't forget your camera! Read more.

Central Park Boathouse is one of NYC's Wildlife Hotspots.

6. Central Park Boathouse

8.9
E 72nd St (Park Dr N), New York, NY
American Restaurant · Central Park · 292 tips and reviews

MetroFocusMetroFocus: Meet Birding Bob at the Boathouse restaurant for a bird tour through the park. Enthusiasts & novices alike can join in Saturdays at 9:30AM for a $10 three-hour walk. Find more wildlife at MetroFocus. Read more.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is one of NYC's Wildlife Hotspots.

7. Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

8.2
Broad Channel, Queens, NY
National Park · Broad Channel · 31 tips and reviews

MetroFocusMetroFocus: Known to many as the best place for bird watching in Queens, you can enjoy the sea breeze as you wander the trails with your binoculars. Discover other wildlife hotspots in NYC on MetroFocus. Read more.

Alley Pond Environmental Center is one of NYC's Wildlife Hotspots.

8. Alley Pond Environmental Center

8.2
228-06 Northern Blvd (east of Cross Island Pkwy), Douglaston, NY
Museum · Oakland Gardens · 8 tips and reviews

MetroFocusMetroFocus: Educate your little ones about the environment & wildlife with the interactive classes available at the Alley Pond Environmental Center. Discover other wildlife hotspots in NYC on MetroFocus. Read more.

American Princess Riis Landing is one of NYC's Wildlife Hotspots.

9. American Princess Riis Landing

Breezy Point, NY
Pier · 4 tips and reviews

MetroFocusMetroFocus: Seals make their springtime NYC debut in early March. To get within gawking distance of these smooth beasts, book a voyage on the American Princess tour that leaves every Saturday & Sunday at noon. Read more.

Clay Pit Pond is one of NYC's Wildlife Hotspots.

10. Clay Pit Pond

Carlin St (Sharrots Rd), Staten Island, NJ
Hiking Trail · 1 tip

MetroFocusMetroFocus: Reconnect with NYC’s real wildlife (not just pigeons) at the Clay Pit Pond. Keep your eyes open for a glimpse of the white-tailed deer that live nearby. Read more about NYC wildlife on MetroFocus Read more.