Central Park Nature Notes: Fri May 15 – Fri May 22

Hello nature lovers,

New Friday-evening edition. This is the last good week of spring warbler migration — get out before it ends. The park is largely undisturbed event-wise from Monday onward. Here’s the week.

Migration: the closing window

Peak migration is wrapping up. Most warblers have moved through, but late migrants are still passing — and resident summer birds are now in full song. Best targets this week:

• Late warblers: Blackpoll, Wilson’s, Canada, American Redstart — still around the Ramble
• Resident breeders: Baltimore Orioles in the cottonwoods, Warbling Vireos along the Lake, Wood Thrushes in the Ramble at dawn
• Best mornings: Mon May 18 and Thu May 21 — completely undisturbed park

By next Friday’s email, the migration story will be over for the season.

Quiet spots, undisturbed all week

• Conservatory Garden (105th & 5th) — peonies and rhododendrons coming in; tulips finishing
• Hallett Nature Sanctuary — check posted hours
• North Woods & Ravine — peak waterfall flow continues
• The Ramble — prime birding
• Shakespeare Garden — wedding crowds finished, calm all week (brief 4-min maintenance window each morning around 11:06, ignore)

Sat May 16, 10 AM–3 PM — Sacred Sites Open House Day 1

Sacred Sites Open House at Mineral Springs. Citywide program opening historic structures for tours — pairs beautifully with a nature walk. Day 2 runs Sunday 10 AM–3 PM as well.

Spots to time around this week

Saturday and Sunday are stacked at scenic spots with private celebrations:

• Bethesda Fountain Terrace: 4+ celebrations across Sat/Sun
• Belvedere Castle Terrace: events both days
• Bow Bridge: a celebration this Saturday morning
• Wagner Cove, Cherry Hill, Cop Cot, Ladies’ Pavilion: all booked midday

Visit these spots Mon–Thu instead for full solitude.

What’s blooming

Tulips are largely past peak — Conservatory Garden moving into peonies, irises, alliums. Mountain laurel and rhododendrons are coming in across the Ramble and North Woods. Wisteria still has a window if you catch it this weekend — gone by mid-week.

Quick recap

Mon 5/18 and Thu 5/21 — best birding mornings Completely undisturbed. Bring binoculars.

Sat–Sun — scenic spots saturated with ceremonies Visit weekday for solitude.

Sat–Sun, 10 AM–3 PM — Sacred Sites Open House at Mineral Springs History + nature combo.

This weekend — last good wisteria; mountain laurel arriving

The migration window is closing, The Central Park Guide