Finally, the Look of Springtime in New York

Over the past week, many of the flowering trees in New York have started to announce themselves, and rather than setting out on a fixed path, I've let the sight of trees pull me in their direction. Around the neighborhood in Greenwich Village and south into SoHo, the streets flow under graceful canopies, many of which are furnished by callery pears. In Central Park, especially deep into the Ramble, young green leaves of many trees catch the light, setting off a fine contrast with the pink Saucer Magnolias and Yoshino Cherry trees. In winter, when the trees are dormant, we hardly notice their existence. But when they wake up, it's difficult not to stare.

Spring and Thompson Streets, SoHo/South Village

West Village

Washington Square Park. For those following (or flat-out addicted) via the NYT City Room webcam the story of two red-tailed hawks, Violet and Bobby, as they tend to their nest of three eggs, please note that the nest is up there at the top of the rust-colored NYU Bobst Library. The nest is on the sunny side facing the park, second window alcove from the right. 

Central Park, The Ramble

Central Park, The Lake

Central Park, Bethesda Terrace 

W. 69th Street, Upper West Side

W. 4th Street, NYU Stern Plaza, Greenwich Village

May the trees lead you on a fine and unexpected journey.

Images by Walking Off the Big Apple from April 14-18, 2011 made with the iPhone 4. More images in this slideshow, April in New York, on Flickr WOTBA.