Boston Public Garden is Unexpected Oasis for Migrant Birds

Windows to the Wild

A recent trip to the Boston Public Garden revealed a colorful world of birds in the heart of the city for Windows to the Wild host Willem Lange. He was joined by radio host Ray Brown, an avid birder seeking to prove that you can bird anywhere. Brown is part of a vibrant, sometimes eccentric, community of bird enthusiasts in America's oldest botanical garden.

The Public Garden's placement as a patch of green in the middle of a busy urban center makes it an ideal "migrant trap" for neo-tropical migrating birds. The spot is frequented by locals and nearby office workers.

"It's a little bit of nature that's accessible to people," says birder GianFabbri. To date, 198 species of birds have been spotted in the park.

At least 45 million Americans call themselves bird watchers, according to the Fish & Wildlife Association. Birders love the challenge the hobby provides. "Once you start learning...you're hooked," claims Stephen Moore.

"It's a sickness for me. It's beyond a passion," concurs Linda Ferraresso. This dedication has created a unique subculture. Lange, for one, likes watching the birders as much as he likes watching the birds.

Bill Wilson, a Public Garden regular, has identified three species of birder, "the ones who won't talk to anybody, the ones who won't stop talking, and then there's the slightly, almost normal people in between."

The Public Garden's popularity with birders has led to a unique community among regular visitors, with experienced birders mentoring those new to the hobby. "If it wasn't for the public garden, I don't think I'd be birding," says Fabbri.

For both bird watchers and birder watchers, Lange will be joining Brown and a group of proudly obsessed birders in a new episode on New Hampshire PBS of Windows to the Wild airing on Wednesday, October 18 at 7:30 pm.