Birding is socially distanced New York's hottest hobby

Birdwatching has become more popular in pandemic times

Published: December 02, 2020 11:06 AFP and Compiled by Christian Borbon, Senior Web Editor

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On a recent sunny morning in New York a few dozen people gathered in Central Park's wooded Ramble area with a common goal: zero in on an elusive owl. Image Credit: AFP

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Autumn leaves crunch under their shoes as 'Birding Bob' - a guide who has been organizing birdwatching tours in the park for more than three decades, with interest jumping since the coronavirus pandemic hit the city in March - leads them along winding paths. Image Credit: AFP

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Suddenly the avian enthusiasts raise their binoculars and cameras with powerful telephoto lenses to view Barry, a barred owl peering through the pines, who arrived about a month ago to the delight of New Yorkers. Image Credit: AFP

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In pandemic times bird-watching has grown in popularity, with theaters and clubs indefinitely closed due to coronavirus, which has killed more than 24,200 people in the city since spring. Image Credit: AFP

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'There's fewer things to do in New York City - and the things that you could do inside are either limited or canceled,' Birding Bob - the tour guide born Robert DeCandido - told AFP. Image Credit: AFP

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'So people are doing things outside. That's good. And these walks are only $10 so that's a really good deal... try to find something for $10 or less in New York City, you know it's impossible!' Image Credit: AFP

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Each year some 220 bird species frequent Central Park, which remarkably is considered one of the best spots in the world for birding despite the city's 8.6 million residents, with especially good viewing during migration periods. Image Credit: AFP

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A Tufted Titmouse stands on a branch in Central Park. Image Credit: AFP

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A bird watcher holds a Tufted Titmouse bird during a tour offer by Robert DeCandido. Image Credit: AFP

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A Red-Bellied Woodpecker stands on a branch. Image Credit: AFP

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A Blue jay stands on a branch as "Birding Bob" leads a group of bird watchers during a tour in Central Park, New York Image Credit: AFP

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A photographer feeds a Tufted Titmouse bird during a tour offer by 'Birding Bob'. Image Credit: AFP

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A Barred Owl stands on a branch as Robert DeCandido leads a group of bird watchers during a tour in Central Park. Image Credit: AFP

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