Soar

Jamaica Bay is most famously known for their birdwatching. We'll be honest. This really doesn't sound all that appealing.

According to the Brooklyn BirdWatcher's website Jamaica Bay is host to quite a number of birds breed either within the area of the trails or on the islands that are in the bay. Some of those species on the upland and salt marsh areas are Canada Geese, Yellow, Common Yellowthroat and Redstart warblers, Osprey, Oystercatchers, Willets, and Tree Sparrow. Less visible breeding areas hold nest sites for Black Crowned and Yellow Crowned Night Herons, Great Blue Heron, Great and Snowy Egret, Glossy Ibis and Barn Owl.

Let me tell you something. Canada geese, although their babies are so cute, are mean, mean little buggers. They will chase you down and honk at you nonstop if they feel violated. This prevents me from thinking the adults are cute little birds. They are probably the Mafia of birds.

However, in New York where you can only look up and see steel and smoke, it is gratifying to know that you can step outside Manhattan for a while, look up, and see a Common Yellowthroat.

Photo: fishandgame.idaho.gov