Morning birding walk through Van Cortlandt's wetlands
- 2 hours
- Up to 10 people
- English
Learn
Hosted by Gloria Okonkwo
Van Cortlandt Park holds one of the Bronx's few freshwater marshes, and spring migration brings warblers, herons, and the odd visiting hawk. We walk slowly with frequent stops, so this works whether you've never held binoculars or you keep a life list. I'll teach you to bird by ear as much as by eye.
Part of each fee goes to the volunteer crew restoring native plants around Van Cortlandt Lake.What's included
- Loaner binoculars while they last
- A printed checklist of likely species
- Slow-paced walk with frequent stops
- Tips on birding apps and by-ear ID
Plan
Binoculars if you have them, sturdy shoes, and water. I bring a few loaner pairs.
We walk about two miles on flat dirt trails and keep our voices low near the water. Plan for some mud after rain.
Five dollars of each booking goes to the marsh restoration crew, who put back 400 native plants last fall.
Go
Where?
Van Cortlandt Park
Meet at the Nature Center near Broadway & W 246th St
Explore Van Cortlandt Village, Bronx
How to get there
- 1 train to 242 StFive-minute walk north to the Nature Center.
- Broadway & W 246 St dockTwo minutes to the meeting point.
- From RiverdaleTen minutes east along Broadway.
- Bx9 bus up BroadwayStops near the 242 St park gate.
What guests say
4.9 out of 5 from 87 reviews
May 2026
Saw my first wood duck. Gloria knows every call in that marsh and is patient with beginners.
April 2026
Didn't expect this much wild space in the Bronx. Quiet and unhurried.
April 2026
Great walk, just wear real boots. The marsh edge was muddier than I planned for.