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Winter Wonderland Bald Eagles! Westchester: Croton Point Park Photography & Nature Walk
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To see the short list of dates and destinations, scroll down to the bottom of this section—with LINKS to each New York City WILD! Walking Tour to reserve your spot NOW on Eventbrite!
This is a Winter Walk! If spending hours outside in the cold doesn't sound like your idea of a good time - this walk may not be for you. However, if being the first to lay tracks through the snow and returning with ruddy cheeks to the warm indoors sounds "cool" - DO come along!
Croton Point Park is in Westchester County, a short Metro-North ride away.
Bald Eagles. Enough said. Three years ago on this walk we had a total of more than 30 sightings for the day (including those seen along the Hudson River on the train ride). How cool is that! The colder the winter, the more likely there will be more eagles at this wide point of the Hudson River above the Tappan Zee. This regal species, our national symbol, was nearly extirpated in the 70's from DDT poisoning. Having made a magnificent comeback and been removed from the Endangered Species List in 2007, triple digits of this grand raptor now winter along this stretch of the Hudson River—majestic white-headed-and-tailed adults scouting out their next meal from the top of a snag, or dark juveniles soaring seemingly at arm's reach. Add in stunning iced-in vistas of the Hudson, maybe some roosting owls, a deliciously biting north wind to ruddy your cheeks, and, definitely, the "Oh sweet Canada, Canada, Canada" plaintive notes of the White-throated Sparrow. Yes, a winter wonderland. Bring your lunch for a picnic outside (if the weather cooperates),
There are options for the Meet Up – let me know where to look for you:
Meeting Time and Place: Meet at Grand Central: Sunday, 9:30 am, in the Main Hall of Grand Central Station (under the stars) at the center clock. You want to purchase a round-trip off-peak Metro-North ticket to Croton-Harmon $21.50 Adult/$14.00 Senior/$11.00 Child (5-11) – so get there in time to buy your ticket. Don’t be late! The train departs at 9:45 am and arrives at Croton-Harmon at 10:37 am. Keith will be getting on a DIFFERENT LOCAL train at Marble Hill that arrives at Croton-Harmon at 10:33 am. We’ll look for each other upstairs in the station (near the restrooms) at Croton-Harmon.
Meeting Time and Place (West Village, Manhattan): If you are coming from the West Village (like me!), we will meet before 8:30 am at the 14th Street #1/2/3 Station UPTOWN Platform, UPTOWN/front/first car (14th Street entrance). We will take the first UPTOWN Train that pulls into the station after 8:30 am, and travel to 225th Street Station on the #1 Train then walk the one block to get the MetroNorth train at 9:42 am to Croton-Harmon, arriving at 10:33 am. The Round Trip fare from Marble Hill is $11.00 Adult/$5.50 Senior. Check the MTA Weekender for Service Advisories for any of your connecting train lines – it is the weekend, so service can be different than expected!
If you are driving: DO let me know if you are driving so that we can confirm the Meet Up. Let’s meet in the parking lot at the Croton-Harmon train station, at the bottom of the stairs coming down from the main station entrance; then we can decide whether you will leave your car in the station parking lot or continue into Croton Point Park.
$: PLEASE NOTE: Additional Metro North round trip fare from Grand Central $21.50 Adult/$14.00 Senior/$11.00 Child (5-11). Round trip fare from Marble Hill #11.00/$5.50 Senior.
Schedules and fares to be confirmed closer to the time.
GENERAL INFORMATION
WHY WALK WITH NEW YORK CITY WILD! RATHER THAN HEADING OUT ON MY OWN WITH A SUBWAY MAP AND A GUIDEBOOK?
An “urban wilderness” walk is not an oxymoron. Keith Michael has been exploring the remotest corners of New York City for decades, gaining a collective eclectic knowledge that cannot be found in any guidebooks. These walking tours will bring you to his favorite destinations around this vast metropolis, taking the guesswork out of the legwork! With carefully researched information about where to go, what to see, how to get there, AND the camaraderie of fascinating people to enjoy the "there" with, each excursion provides a unique off-the-grid out-of-the-tour-bus immersive experience in the natural wonders (as well as architectural and historical highlights) available within one of the largest cities in the world. Once you do, you’ll be inspired to do even more and take advantage of the myriad other FREE tours offered by many parks and organizations throughout NYC—there is always more to see and learn!
HOW DO I RESERVE MY SPOT?
Follow instructions on the Eventbrite site.
See the full schedule and descriptions of the 2020 NYC Wild! Walking Tours by clicking
To see the short list of dates and destinations, scroll down to the bottom of this section—with LINKS to each New York City WILD! Walking Tour to reserve your spot NOW!
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
There are various ticket prices for New York City WILD! Walks. Buy an "Early Bird" Discount ($10 - only 5 available with no additional fees), a $15 One Day Wonder Ticket, or Become a NYC Wilder! The $50 SIX-MONTH PASS gives you access to ALL upcoming NYC Wild! Walks January through June 2020 or the $90 FULL YEAR PASS provides you with UNLIMITED adventures in 2020 (upwards of 100 events to choose from) - what a deal! BUY the PASS as a Great GIFT IDEA too!
PLEASE NOTE: Participants cover their own public transportation costs (NYC Metrocard and PATH train fares) as well as lunch/dinner and beverages—either a bring-your-own-picnic or conviviality at a local eatery depending on the individual walk itinerary.
WHAT IS THE BAD WEATHER AND REFUND POLICY?
BAD WEATHER: Trips will only be cancelled under extreme weather conditions. New York City weather is fickle! Rarely does the same kind of weather last all day, and the weather forecast for Central Park may be vastly different than what actually occurs on a far outer-borough beach. Most walks will go on rain or shine under the optimism that an inclement forecast will change. However, primarily beach walks WILL BE cancelled or rerouted if there is any threat of thunderstorms.
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CANCELLATIONS: Participants will be notified by e-mail 24 hours in advance if a forecast of extreme weather is imminent. You will recieve a FULL REFUND of your ticket OR you can transfer your order to another New York City WILD! outing by contacting
newyorkcitywild@gmail.com. (A REFUND can take 7-10 business days for your refund to be processed.) -
"No Shows" WILL NOT be refunded.
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Any request for a refund must be made within 4 days after an event has ended.
WHAT ABOUT MEET-UP LOCATIONS AND NYC PUBLIC TRANSPORATION?
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Please carefully note meeting places and times. Trips will leave promptly from designated meeting sites. For meet-ups on a subway platform, we will generally leave on the FIRST TRAIN after the designated departure time. Return times are approximate.
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NYC Wild! Walks are GREEN in more ways than one! Walks frequently meet on a subway platform to take a train (average 45 minutes to an hour+) to and from the starting point of the walk. Please carefully note whether the meet-up location is on the UPTOWN or DOWNTOWN platform AND whether it is at the FIRST or LAST car of the train! Please arrive with a charged phone (!) and filled MetroCard so that trains or buses are not missed while you wait in line to put more money on your card.
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Alternate meeting locations can be arranged en route to the destination if this is more convenient for individual travelers.
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ALWAYS check the MTA Weekender online before you leave home for planned service changes on your subway lines! Leave additional travel time for delays in weekend service. Some Walk meet-up locations or destinations may be changed if subway service is unusually cumbersome to our starting point.
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?
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To get to the "cool places" that we go on New York City WILD! Walks, these outings are estimated at 4-6 hours in length (including travel time to and from the starting point of the actual walking tour) and range from 2-6 miles depending on the itinerary. Know your own abilities and stamina.
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It is difficult to catch up with the group if you are late - please be on time for the MEET UP. Most walks are a loop so it is also difficult to leave early. Please take this into consideration.
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NYC Wild! Walks move at a casual pace to encourage observation and conversation. These ARE NOT "exercise walks" or "power walks" or "hiking." Pauses for photography are accommodated though sometimes we may need to keep moving to fulfill the walk's itinerary.
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These walks are usually not suitable for participants younger than 10 years of age.
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Even though some of these outings may seem "pet friendly" such as a walk on the beach or a ramble through the woods, please do not bring your dog or or even your parrot with you. We are looking for birds and wildlife along the trails, and domestic animals tend to chase them away!
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Most NYC Wild! excursions follow primarily level established trails though the walking surface can vary from city sidewalks to woodland path, boardwalks, grass, minor rock scrambling or sandy beach. Some stairs or a rise and descent in terrain are part of individual walks.
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Insects should be a minimal concern, but mosquitoes, ticks and bees DO EXIST in New York City. Be mindful and take suitable precautions.
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Restrooms are not always conveniently located or available. Take this into consideration.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
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BRING YOUR OWN LUNCH/DINNER. We will stop for a picnic along the way—outside. Bring your picnic with you rather than expecting to stop along the way to "pick something up". Some walk itineraries may include end-of-walk conviviality at a local eatery—watch the listings for these scheduled festivities.
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Water
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Dress appropriately for the forecasted weather—hat, jacket, layers to take off or put on if temperatures change. In general, it can be windier and cooler (or hotter) at these locations than in Manhattan. Bring an umbrella for surprise changes in weather.
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Sturdy closed-toed walking shoes that you aren’t too concerned about getting muddy or wet. No sandals or flip-flops.
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Binoculars if you have them. If not, we will share.
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A camera. Each walk offers endless photo opportunities.
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Sun screen and insect repellent. Insects should be a minimal concern for most trips.
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PLEASE use your cell phone sparingly for emergencies only (and generously for taking memorable photos of the walk!)
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Enthusiasm and a sense of adventure.
DO I NEED TO SIGN A LIABILITY WAIVER?
YES. You will be asked to sign a liability waiver statement, agreeing to release and hold harmless Keith Michael and New York City WILD! from any and all liability arising out of or resulting from your participation. Your participation in these walks is on a completely voluntary basis and you are responsible for your own personal safety and well-being. Read the complete statement included with this event listing.
HOW DO I GET MORE INFORMATION?
Write to
WHO IS THAT NEW YORK CITY WILD! GUY?
KEITH MICHAEL is a self-styled urban naturalist, avid birder, photographer, and a dedicated explorer of New York City's five boroughs. He has led 100s of walks throughout NYC. Watching birds drives his focus, but the breadth of NYC history, and the wealth of vistas, trees, wildflowers, grasses, mushrooms, butterflies, dragonflies, as well as scaled, slithery and furred fauna that can be observed within the city is truly remarkable. Mr. Michael has published four books of writing and photographs: Let’s Go Out!: A Birder's Year in the West Village (2015); Take Me to the River (2014); Once Around the Block (2013), and 1000 Days: World Trade Center Rising (2013); leads New York City WILD! nature walking tours, co-leads Hudson River Park WILD! walks, and is a monthly contributor to WestView News: The Voice of the West Village.
When not adventuring in the city and taking photographs, Mr. Michael is a ballet choreographer, having created The Alice-in-Wonderland Follies, Mother GOOSE! and The Nutcracker for New York Theatre Ballet, and is the Dance Production Coordinator at The Juilliard School. For more information about walks, books or photographs visit
Photo of Keith Michael by Valerie S.
New York City WILD!
Waiver/Release/Assumption of Risk Agreement
New York City WILD! is an urban nature walk series organized by freelance urban naturalist Keith Michael.
As used in this agreement, "The Coordinator" means collectively New York City WILD! and Keith Michael, its employees, representatives, independent contractors and/or affiliate organizations involved in the selected program/activity, members, leaders, organizers, volunteers, co-participants and all others involved in the selected activity/program.
As used in this agreement, "you" means the person who signs this agreement or on whose behalf this agreement has been executed. It is anticipated that you are accepting this agreement as a prerequisite to your participation in a New York City WILD! activity/program. If a person under 18 years of age participates, that person's parent or legal guardian must also accept this agreement.
In consideration of the services provided by The Coordinator and the opportunity for you to participate in the selected activity/program, you AGREE TO AND ACKNOWLEDGE the following:
1.) New York City WILD! nature walks are entirely volunteer activities. Other participants are not outdoor recreational or educational professionals.
2.) New York City WILD! activities have inherent RISKS, HAZARDS AND DANGERS. Such risks, hazards and dangers may include, though not limited to: adverse weather, crossing streams, falls from heights, travel, exposure to insects and animals; remoteness from shelter, restroom facilities, food, water, medical care and emergency rescue services; graded trails, uneven terrain, mechanical or equipment failures, and misjudgments by leaders, volunteers and/or co-participants. You acknowledge these and other risks, and you ASSUME THE RISKS of participating in the New York City WILD! activity and travel to and from the activity/program.
3.) The Coordinator cannot guarantee your health or safety. You are responsible for your own health and safety. You warrant that you have skills and overall health and physical conditioning adequate for the program/activity you have selected. If required, you will provide your own appropriate and adequate clothing, equipment and supplies. You will cooperate with the leader(s) and organizers to achieve a meaningful and safe experience for the group.
4.) You hereby RELEASE AND AGREE TO HOLD HARMLESS The Coordinator from any and all liability arising out of or resulting from your participating in a New York City WILD! program or activity. You and your agents, heirs and assigns HEREBY WAIVE ANY AND ALL CLAIMS against The Coordinator in any court, forum, tribunal or jurisdiction, whether for personal injury, wrongful death, property damage or loss, breach of contract, economic loss or consequential damages from delays, cancellation or changes in program or schedules.
5.) You are solely responsible for all transportation fares for and food or beverages consumed during this activity.
6.) You acknowledge that The Coordinator or co-participants may produce photographic or video recordings ("images") of programs. The Coordinator or co-participants may use such images to promote The Coordinator and their programs. You hereby consent to such images made while you are engaged in the activity/program and grant to The Coordinator or co-participants all of your rights to use such images and any copies or derivative works therefrom in any manner for promotional and other commercial purposes, in any medium. You release and assign to any right or interest that you may have in those images including rights in your appearance and or your voice recorded by employees, other participants, agents or contractors, whether or not on behalf of The Coordinator or co-participants, and you waive any right of any kind in or over such images including rights of (A) compensation, (B) publicity, privacy or copyright, or (C) review, inspection or approval.
7.) This Waiver/Release and Assumption of Risk Agreement is the entire agreement between you and The Coordinator, and cannot be orally changed or modified.
8.) This agreement entered into in the State of New York, is to be governed by the laws of New York and any suits, claims or actions concerning it are to be brought only in the courts of the State of New York.
9.) If a court with proper jurisdiction determines that any part of this document is invalid, illegal or against public policy, the remaining portions thereof shall remain in full force and effect.
I have read this agreement and I understand its terms and, in particular, that I am giving up substantial legal rights. Knowing this, I am voluntarily agreeing to this Waiver, Release, and Assumption of Risk Agreement.
Fields to be completed on hard copy at the start of the Walking Tour:
Print Name: __________________________________________
Signature: ___________________________________________
Date: ________________________________________________
Mobile phone #: _______________________________________
e-mail: _______________________________________________
Emergency Contact Name:_______________________________
Emergency Contact Phone Number: _______________________
New York City WILD! 2019 Walks Schedule
For FULL SCHEDULE of Adventures Information GO TO
Click on the DATE LINK BELOW to Make Your Eventbrite Reservation NOW!
JANUARY 2019
FEBRUARY 2019
MORE TO COME!
