Even though New York City is still on pause, there are still some fun and safe things New Yorkers can do to get out in nature while staying close to home.

Even though many attractions are closed, and activities are canceled, the birds are still out, especially in Prospect Park.

"Once you start noticing birds, you don't stop,” says birdwatcher Jay Ackley.

Ackley started bird watching two years ago while volunteering in Prospect Park and says it's changed his life.

"They call it bird watching but a lot is bird listening. If you hear a bird, walk toward it slowly and you'll definitely see it,” says Ackley.

The Vale of Cashmere, an oasis of flowers and lush trees, it home to spotted robins, mallard ducks, catbirds, sparrows, starlings and even a Baltimore oriole.

"Each time it's such an endorphin rush and just like a thrill and I forget that we're in quarantine,” says Ackley.

He says becoming a birder is an easy escape during the pandemic, all you need is to open your ears, grab some binoculars if you have them, and just find a good spot.

"Fresh moving water is going to attract birds for their meals and really just the deeper into the woods you get,” says Ackley.

While official bird watching tours are still on pause, the birds are out and about to be seen through self-guided, socially distant walks.