I met Heather Wolf, author of Birding at the Bridge: In Search of Every Bird on the Brooklyn Waterfront, around 1 am one June night.
I bumped into her on Amazon while scanning the newest bird books, and she grabbed my attention on page one.
“I’ve never been a morning person. I’m still not a morning person.”
And then, before I read the next sentence, it’s as if we said in unison, “Birds are the only things that make me rise before the sun.”
Jinx.
Birding at the Bridge is a Great Read
Once I started reading Heather’s book, I couldn’t stop.
It was such an enjoyable read, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about birds.
It’s filled with first-hand accounts, gorgeous photography, and funny anecdotes about birds she sees at Brooklyn Bridge Park.
I felt like I had just spent several hours birdwatching with a friend.
The sleep-deprived morning after reading Heather’s book, I knew it was a priority to feature Heather once I started this website.
Keeping my promise to myself, I did.
Read Heather’s feature here.
Meeting Heather and spending several hours birding with her in her magical bird patch was a sheer joy.
The only way to capture Heather’s enthusiasm, passion, and love for birds was to experience the thrill of birding at Brooklyn Bridge Park with her.
Here are three pieces of advice for fellow bird lovers.
Go Birding at Brooklyn Bridge Park
1 – If you live in or around New York City or plan a trip, make time to go birding at Brooklyn Bridge Park.
The park is a special place nestled in the five boroughs offering wilderness that serves as home to 150+ bird species throughout the year.
Set against a stunning backdrop of some of New York’s most historic landmarks, the park includes sweeping views of the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and Lower Manhattan.
Look to see if Heather is leading any bird walks by visiting her website at brooklynbridgebirds.com to see a list of events and classes.
She teaches beginning birding classes at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden and the Brooklyn Brainery. She leads bird walks in Prospect Park for the NYC Audubon Society and Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Heather goes birding most days of the week, so if you venture to Brooklyn Bridge Park, you might see her there. The time spent birding with her will be like no other.
Grab a Copy of Birding at the Bridge
2 – Pick up a copy of Heather’s book, Birding at the Bridge: In Search of Every Bird on the Brooklyn Waterfront.
The book is more than a field guide for Brooklyn Bridge Park.
It’s a patch field diary written to inspire others to experience birding and other aspects of the natural world.
It’s a fantastic read and a beautiful gift for anyone who loves birds.
Find Your Bird Patch
3 – Find a patch near you to observe birds regularly and experience the beauty of nature.
You don’t need to venture far.
Get in tune with nature in your backyard, outside your office, or in any window.
American architect Frank Lloyd Wright said, “Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.”
If you need a surefire win, look to nature.
You’ll be amazed at what you see.
Now get out and see birds.
Read about our day birding with a wolf in Brooklyn here.