On the northwestern rim of the Lake in Central
Park is this wooded peninsula called "Hernshead."
The designers Olmsted and Vaux felt it
resembled the head of a heron (called a"hern" by the British).
Defining Hernshead is a bedrock outcropping
which rises up from the edge of the Lake at
the far end of the peninsula providing an
elevated viewing point for one of the most
stunning views of the Lake and City skyline
Central Park has to offer.
In the spring Hernshead comes to life with a
large variety of blooming species including
crocuses, azaleas, bluebells, irises and daffodils.
Summertime brings the colorful display ofCardinal Flowers, New
York Ironweed, Joe-pye Weed and Blue
Vervain.
Bisecting the peninsula is a narrow
path, which leads up to the Ladies Pavilion.
With its Victorian design highlighted by a
highly decorated framework it recalls another
period when it once had its home at Merchants'
Gate at 59th Street and Central Park West.
There in the early part of the century it
provided a shelter for Park visitors waiting
to catch their trolley for a ride back home and
away from the barely inhabited area of the Park.
Hernshead is one of the most favorite of all
the sites the Park has to offer both to visitors
and bird lovers who, if they are lucky can catch
a close view of the Park's Mute Swans
or the
Great Egrets who have adopted the Park
as their home.
