It’s the weekend, and the North Woods is a little busier than when I was here during the week. I’m with my husband today. He has never been to this section of the park. We enter the Ravine, and I notice three mallard ducks—two males and one female. Their heads are tucked under their wings. Are they sleeping or just keeping warm on this cold, gray winter morning?

We continue north past Huddlestone Arch and stop to admire another waterfall. We cross over the Loch to the other side and go to a special spot where people sometimes sit, put out their hands with a handful of birdseed, and let the birds perch right on their hands to get the seed. At this spot, there is an abundance of house sparrows, male and female. I’m getting to know the regulars now, which also include common grackles, black-capped chickadees, cardinals, nuthatches, and tufted titmice.

We sit quietly for a time to listen and watch. A squirrel sidles up to me, seemingly disappointed that I did not bring a handout. Having a moment to connect with nature in a large city such as New York is so important, especially during the winter. As we sit, more people approach. It’s time for us to move on so that others can feel the same connection.