How safe is Central Park in New York?

Richard wrote in message
...
Is it safe to wander around, by day, with a 500mm. camera and tripod
for bird photography?

I'm told that the lake is a good place for resident and migratory
wildfowl.

Any comments?

TIA,

Richard.


Read "Red-Tails in Love" ---By Marie Winn ---- It will tell you
wonderful things about birding in Central Park.

Richard wrote:
Is it safe to wander around, by day, with a 500mm. camera and tripod
for bird photography?

I'm told that the lake is a good place for resident and migratory
wildfowl.

Any comments?

If Central Park is making you nervous, you could always go with your
camera over to Jamaica Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Queens. Mostly
populated by birders and nature lovers.

When we lived in NYC it was our favorite birding spot.

http://queens.about.com/cs/parks/a/pk_jamaica_bay.htm

April
San Antonio

Richard wrote:
Is it safe to wander around, by day, with a 500mm. camera and tripod
for bird photography?
snip
Richard.
My experience is just dress like the blue collar working class, not
quite hobo but not looking like you'll be carrying much else of value.
Then your camera is the only likely target and not really much of one at
that (pain to pawn). Also be friendly with the other birders likely to
be in the area and you are part of a group instead of a lone victim.

And have fun, even expensive cameras aren't worth high blood pressure.
Nikk

On Thu, 01 Jan 2004 17:52:26 +0000, Richard wrote:

Is it safe to wander around, by day, with a 500mm. camera and tripod
for bird photography?


NYC is actually a very safe place. It is easy to simply blend into the
faceless crowd.

The lower half to 2/3 of the park is extremely safe, as you get toward
the top there's less people. But overall you'll probably be surprised
by how many people are in the park (and how many cops you see).

However, I'd advise you not to exit the park at the north end with you
camera dangling around your neck and an open subway map.

And the absolute best advice anywhere in NYC is to not look like a
tourist. If you look like you belong and know exactly what you're
doing, you're much better off. Here's a tip, don't day dream. Be very
aware of everyone around you. I've seen pickpockets in broad daylight
in Times Square.


-- JC

NYC just finished 2003 with a murder rate about 1/3 that of Chicago.


Francis A. Miniter


J C wrote:

On Thu, 01 Jan 2004 17:52:26 +0000, Richard wrote:



Is it safe to wander around, by day, with a 500mm. camera and tripod
for bird photography?




NYC is actually a very safe place. It is easy to simply blend into the
faceless crowd.

The lower half to 2/3 of the park is extremely safe, as you get toward
the top there's less people. But overall you'll probably be surprised
by how many people are in the park (and how many cops you see).

However, I'd advise you not to exit the park at the north end with you
camera dangling around your neck and an open subway map.

And the absolute best advice anywhere in NYC is to not look like a
tourist. If you look like you belong and know exactly what you're
doing, you're much better off. Here's a tip, don't day dream. Be very
aware of everyone around you. I've seen pickpockets in broad daylight
in Times Square.


-- JC

In message
"Francis A. Miniter" wrote:

NYC just finished 2003 with a murder rate about 1/3 that of Chicago.

I didn't feel any less safe there in Oct 2002 than I do in Glasgow's parks.
Mind you, there were very few birds at that time. (A bit too early, probably)

Liz

--
Virtual Liz at http://www.v-liz.co.uk
Kenya; Tanzania; India; Seychelles
New Aug '03: Namibia
"I speak of Africa and golden joys"

Central Park is quite safe; just use normal street smarts.

I also heartily recommend Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge,
one of the best birding spots on the East Coast.
It is located just minutes away from JFK.

Excelsior, you fatheads!
-Chris-

Nicholas Albano III wrote:

I'll just add -- don't put anything down and turn your back on it -- it may
disappear.

Good luck

Nick

sorry for the mis-placed reply... I didn't see the original post.

during the day, Central Park is safe, just don't take your eyes off your
equipment (attach your bag to the tripod when shooting).

if you're still there when it starts getting dark, make sure you have
pepper spray and a loud whistle or something.

it doesn't hurt to have serial numbers of all your equipment, and a
little insurance never hurts, either.

--
Whatevah / Jerry Horn
Jerry {at} whatevah.com (working address)
Freelance Photography and Web services.
spambait:

"Marion Margoshes" wrote in message . net...
Richard wrote in message
...
Is it safe to wander around, by day, with a 500mm. camera and tripod
for bird photography?

I'm told that the lake is a good place for resident and migratory
wildfowl.

Any comments?

TIA,

Richard.



Richard, if your still reading this thread...

The Resevoir is much better for water fowl than the lake. I was
crossing the park last week and I saw lots of Northern Shovelers, Rudy
Ducks, Buffleheads and, surpringly, a Canvasback at the Resevoir,
close to shore and easily viewable. You usually won't get such an
assortment at the lake

And, as an added safety precaution - if possible - go w/a friend or two.
One bum or thug isn't going to challenge a group of people, unless they're
on PCP, then, well you're SOL. :-)

Happy Birding

"Nikk4s" wrote in message
...


Richard wrote:
Is it safe to wander around, by day, with a 500mm. camera and tripod
for bird photography?
snip
Richard.
My experience is just dress like the blue collar working class, not
quite hobo but not looking like you'll be carrying much else of value.
Then your camera is the only likely target and not really much of one at
that (pain to pawn). Also be friendly with the other birders likely to
be in the area and you are part of a group instead of a lone victim.

And have fun, even expensive cameras aren't worth high blood pressure.
Nikk