Leslie DayField Guide to the Natural World of New York City

Field Guide to the Natural World of New York City is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in exploring the rich natural environment of one of the world's most bustling urban areas. This guide offers a detailed look at the diverse flora and fauna that thrive within the city’s parks, green spaces, and waterways.The guide is well-organized, providing clear, informative entries on various species and ecosystems found throughout New York City. Its user-friendly format includes vivid photographs and easy-to-understand descriptions, making it accessible for both novice nature enthusiasts and experienced naturalists.Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, this field guide serves as a perfect companion for outdoor adventures, helping you to identify and appreciate the natural beauty that exists amidst the city’s concrete landscape. It’s a must-have for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of urban ecology and enjoy the hidden natural treasures of New York City.

It's rare to have a field guide about the city you live in. I really appreciate the author for putting it together. I've learned a lot about the parks that exist in NYC but that don't get talked so much about it. Also the description of the parks made what's in the park more accessible. Without the book, you may go to a park and stroll around, but you don't know what gems actually exist and where they are hiding. I was really amazed that beyond the parks, there are additional nature areas in the city that are actually closed to the public, except for special tours that she explained how to get into. While it is a small book, the thing that I would have wished for is that I could go to a park and find the stuff that I see. It describes some of the animals and plants, but there is no way to stand in front of something in the park and find out what it is (unless it's very common). The book doesn't write about everything you see and doesn't provide a lookup starting with what you see, e.g. a table that shows all the leaf shapes side by side to find the one that I'm currently looking at.

I loved both the prose as well as the wonderful illustrations. I can't remember having such an enjoyable time learning about nature since my 6th grade science class, and that was a half century ago. lol

An enjoyable and informative book for someone living in NYC that is interested in exploring what nature has to offer. I only wish that there is more information, including plant and animal life than what was included. After taking an excursion to Jamaica Bay, I still wanted to know which birds and plants I had seen, with only a few recognizable in the book. However I plan to continue to use it once Spring rolls around and explore some of the other areas described.

We are new to NYC and like to know about the birds, bugs, trees and stones around us as we walk through the parks. The book is in great used condition and arrived quickly.

This guide misses woodchuck and raccoon and probably other species, but it is really well designed in informative and pleasant way. Highly recommended !

This book was for my daughter who lives in NYC. She absolutely raves about it. She and her husband both enjoy the book for all the info they get about nature in the city. They are birders and now they notice other things, too.

This book is a handsome, valuable addition to the library (or backpack) of NYC dwelling natural history lovers. Unfortunately, it is not "complete," as several reviews suggest. Missing, for example, is the red-eared slider(Trachemys scripta elegans), the most commonly seen turtle in Central Park. Migrant and occasional bird species, too, are not to be found. The wild turkey is now reestablished on parts of Manhattan, but does not find a place in Day's guide. There are many such oversights; generally, however, I recommend the book.

Too big a subject for one book but coverage of reserves is very good and then illustration of likely and unusual residents a true bargain.