Ma., USA, May 2011 - Common Yellowthroats

One of the commoner and more tolerant warbler species locally, anywhere there's a patch of swampy undergrowth there's a pair of these beauties.

Glenridge, New Jersey, mid-May 2011

A few days in the affluent, leafy, Stepford Wives suburbs of N.J. catching up with family followed our 48 hours in Brooklyn; the deluge continued pretty much solidly for the duration, but no matter, much-needed relaxation and creature comforts were very welcome.

Common Yellowthroat, Bald Eagle, Gray Catbird, American Robin, Cedar Waxwing (all from the back garden)

Prospect Park, Brooklyn, NYC - 15th May 2011

A whirlwind 48 hours in Brooklyn, staying with of our good friends Meghan and Jonah, whose apartment is very conveniently just minutes from Prospect Park.... while the conditions were challenging (a mix of heavy thunderstorms, drizzle and humid brightness), the rewards were glittering.



The highlights were, of course, warblers. Thirteen species were recorded (and with more time, the tally would doubtless have been higher); enjoying them in such gaudy fresh spring plumage, and in such enjoyable circumstances (arguably my favourite truly urban birding venue in the world), made for a wonderful start to our trip.









Blackpoll Warbler, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Black-throated Green Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Downy Woodpecker

Prospecting for Dendroica gold

24 hours into our eight-month odyssey, and Prospect Park, here in the heart of Brooklyn, NYC will already take a lot of beating.... with thunderstorms overnight and jetlag as an early-morning alarm, this urban paradise overflowed with grounded passerine migrants from first light and justified two three-hour-plus visits today. Thanks to our dear friends Meghan and Jonah for having us (and for living 20 minutes walk from the park...)




Chestnut-sided Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler,Magnolia Warbler

Flamborough mammals

Flamborough & area, late april and early May 2011

... which sounds sublime, but there were other, somewhat more pressing priorities over the fortnight or more we were back, and thus birding was limited to a couple of wanders when opportunity allowed. Still, wonderful to have the old man on the mend, meaning that upcoming bulletins for the rest of the year and beyond will indeed be from a galaxy far, far away.

Meanwhile, Flamborough still provided, of course.....





Grasshopper Warbler, Curlew, Yellowhammer




Wheatear, Whitethroat, Meadow Pipit





Ring Ouzel, Barn Owl, Gannet, Yellow Wagtail



.... and a Common Crane heading north up the coast