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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The American Woodcock has drawn quite a crowd at Bryant Park while bopping around.<\/p>\n
“It’s sticks out. It’s not a pigeon. People wonder, what is that thing?” xx said.<\/p>\n
The rare bird is plump, soft and rhythmic, and has become New York City’s newest star.<\/p>\n
“I came after work and I’m glad I got to see him,” said spectator Nils Werner. “It lives up to the hype.”<\/p>\n
Spectators pulled up chairs, broke out binoculars, took photos and even tried to imitate its dance moves — the sincerest form of “feathery,” or flattery.<\/p>\n
New bird watchers were born, and so were new friendships.<\/p>\n
“We just met bonding over watching the bird,” said spectator Katie Murphy.<\/p>\n
So, what makes the Woodcock’s appearance in urban landscape so interesting? It’s a pit stop on their spring migration north.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“The bird brings New Yorkers together. We need so much more of that,” said spectator Talisa Shevavesh.<\/p>\n
Together, spectators admired their new neighbor, who in true New York spirit, marched to the beat of his own drum.<\/p>\n
“I see the bird moving around but most of the time standing alone. Not moving. It’s beautiful,” xx said.<\/p>\n
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