Photo courtesy of Alexandra Wang

Fort Tryon Park is home to 20 bird species that live in the upper Manhattan park year round and more than 60 are said to visit throughout the four seasons. The scenic landmark is a great place for families to discover the diversity of species and joy of bird watching with the help of birding guide Alexandra Wang, a.k.a. Avian Alex, who will lead Kid Birding with Alexandra Wang, on Saturday, August 15 at 10am.

Wang took up birding during the COVID-19 lockdown. Colleagues of Wang’s from the PossAbilities Club at Hunter College, her alma mater, noticed the photographs of bees and birds she posted online and asked if she’d be interested in giving a tour. That turned into tours for more New Yorkers and soon, parents, schools and camps asked for kid-oriented birding expeditions

A key aspect of kid birding is that it’s interactive. Wang and the Fort Tryon Park Conservancy designed a Bingo card for young birders to observe and mark the birds spotted on the tour. Children of all ages are welcome to participate. The sessions are best enjoyed by ages 5-8, but the birding guide has also found that 13 and 14-year olds can be easy to engage. “Kids enjoy making connections to the past experiences they they’ve had in the park,” says Wang, who has a master’s in guidance and school counseling.

In recent days, Wang has spotted ruby-throated hummingbirds and American Gold Finches in Fort Tryon Park. Saturday tour-goers are also likely to see northern cardinals, blue jays and American robins. In addition to the kid birding tours, Wang specializes in accessible birding experiences for people of all abilities. The park’s walkways are suitable for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers and Wang provides augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) materials, Braille pamphlets, and plush birds with built-in recordings for sensory experiences. “It’s inclusive. Anyone can join,” says Wang. “I’ve had blind birders who have pointed out birds just by hearing them.”

Kid Birding with Alexandra Wang is a one-hour tour and it’s FREE. Binoculars are encouraged but not required. The tour meets at Margaret Corbin Circle. Reserve spots in advance on eventbrite.com. Wang offers private birding tours for birthday parties and other occasions at Fort Tryon, Central Park and other city parks. Visit her site on Facebook and X to learn more.

Posted on August 12, 2026