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Tibbetts Brook Tibbets Brook and its associated wetlands are a must for bird-watchers. The waterway once ran straight through the park's land and into the waters of the Harlem River. Portions of the brook south of the park have been replaced by an underground drainage system. The park's northern marshes, formed by retention basins built along the brook during highway construction, host a variety of wildlife. Van Cortlandt Lake, which is man-made, is the largest freshwater lake in the Bronx. This beautiful feature was formed when Jacobus Van Cortlandt dammed Tibbetts Brook in the 1690s to power two mills. The lake offers inspiring vistas from the golf clubhouse area where scores of ducks, a few swans, and other waterfowl can be seen. Other commanding views of the lake are from the Putnam Trail and portions of the golf course. Wildlife is found throughout the park. Rabbits, raccoons, and skunks are common sights. Rare finds include the 15-inch-long pileated woodpecker, which can be spotted eating insects in dead trees, and the Bronx's only young downy wood ducks, which are known for jumping from their high nests soon after hatching. Born in Tibbetts Brook's wetlands, the males blossom into one of North America's most colorful birds. The great horned owl reigns supreme throughout the park, hunting hares and other prey. Newcomers and transients in the last decade include white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and coyote, the latter being the first sighting within New York City in 50 years. |
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The Van Cortlandt House Museum
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