MIDTOWN, Manhattan (WABC) — Many people are flocking to Bryant Park in New York City, hoping to catch a glimpse of a rare bird know for its special dance.
Life moves in the concrete jungle at a pace so fast, the only reason people would stop would be to admire how another creature moves.
The American Woodcock has drawn quite a crowd at Bryant Park while bopping around.
“It’s sticks out. It’s not a pigeon. People wonder, what is that thing?” xx said.
The rare bird is plump, soft and rhythmic, and has become New York City’s newest star.
“I came after work and I’m glad I got to see him,” said spectator Nils Werner. “It lives up to the hype.”
Spectators pulled up chairs, broke out binoculars, took photos and even tried to imitate its dance moves — the sincerest form of “feathery,” or flattery.
New bird watchers were born, and so were new friendships.
“We just met bonding over watching the bird,” said spectator Katie Murphy.
So, what makes the Woodcock’s appearance in urban landscape so interesting? It’s a pit stop on their spring migration north.
“They’re tired by the time they get over here,” said bird watcher Deborah Alperin. “So, if they make it to a green space – they’re very lucky, because these little guys will land anywhere. And then they hangout for a little while and eat worms for a few days and fuel up and hopefully they can get out of this maze of glass and all this and make it upstate.”
Bryant Park does birding tours, but the Woodcock needs no help attracting a crowd. It’s become so popular, the park actually sells baseball caps with the fan favorite stitched onto them.
“The bird brings New Yorkers together. We need so much more of that,” said spectator Talisa Shevavesh.
Together, spectators admired their new neighbor, who in true New York spirit, marched to the beat of his own drum.
“I see the bird moving around but most of the time standing alone. Not moving. It’s beautiful,” xx said.
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