A Walk in Central Park

Last week I led a nature walk in Central Park for the American Museum of Natural History’s Membership Department.

Even though I got rained on twice, there was a lot to see.

Here are some of the wild creatures that were in the park on Wednesday.

Turtles were basking in The Lake. Red-eared sliders are the most commonly seen.

A Walk in Central Park — Turtles were basking in The Lake. Red-eared sliders are the most commonly seen. Click to enlarge.

Scanning the waters there often turns up a Chinese softshell turtle like this one.

This ladybug pupa was in the bushes near the Ladies Pavilion. An adult Asian multi-colored ladybug will emerge. The light-colored spines at the upper left are diagnostic for the species; I hear they are the remnants of the spiky skin of the last larval stage.

This raccoon was hanging around the Oak Bridge.

A pair of Paria beetles was mating on a leaf.

This Isodontia wasp glittered in the fleeting sunshine.

A green Agapostemon bee posed on a pink rose.

And the Shakespeare Garden was full of blossoms.

You never know what you will find when you take a walk in the park, but… John Muir once said: “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.”

Julie Feinstein

I am a Collection Manager at the American Museum of Natural History, an author, and a photographer. I live in New York City. I recently published my first popular science book, Field Guide to Urban Wildlife, an illustrated collection of natural history essays about common animals. I update my blog, Urban Wildlife Guide, every Sunday.

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Julie Feinstein

Julie Feinstein

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