""It's the way they walk. That's what the main attraction is," said self-described amateur birder Sheeba Garg, who traveled to Bryant Park specifically to see the American woodcock during its migration."
""For the past couple weeks, at any given time we might see 50 people or more gathered around one of the woodcocks," said Liz Riegel, highlighting the bird's unprecedented popularity this year."
""There's just a lot of aspects of woodcocks that are entertaining, I guess, and unusual, and that really seems to have captivated people," said Gabriel Willow, reflecting on the bird's appeal."
Bryant Park has seen daily crowds attracted to the American woodcock during its spring migration. The bird's distinctive bobbing walk captivates onlookers, many of whom come equipped with cameras and binoculars. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have amplified interest, leading to unprecedented attention for the woodcocks this year. Nature educators express excitement about the bird's newfound popularity, although there are concerns about overwhelming attendance at guided tours. The woodcock's entertaining behavior has resonated with a diverse audience, creating a communal experience around birdwatching.
Read at Gothamist
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