A week in New York City

Just back from an amazing trip to New York, New York. While there I managed to catch some great American birdlife - in the parks and other open spaces of the city.

Check out some of the highlights -

On the first day itself I was manage to see some great birds across the road from my hotel at the Riverside Park along the Hudson River.

And not to mention almost all the birds were Lifers.

Heres a couple of pics of the Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)

On the next day I got to see more birds on my boat trip around Manhattan

Here's a happy Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) family

I only managed a passing glimpse of the Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)

The next day bought more birds (especially sea birds) as I went for a trip of the Statue of Liberty.

After my trip to Scotland this was my second sighting of theRing-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)

Here's the beautiful tailed - Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)

And the same species as I started this blog entry the -Laughing Gull (Larus atricilla) - the statue in the background [I have to admit I went crazy after clicking these snaps :) ]

and our good old friend from Europe - Herring gull (Larus argentatus)

The next few days I went to Central park almost everyday. And it has to be the best place to bird on Manhattan.



Here's the very common - American Robin (Turdus migratorius)

Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis)

Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)

Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)

Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus)

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)

European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) - Juvenile

The next two where very difficult to identify. I could have not done it without the help of Vivek Tiwari (spiderhunters@gmail.com). Thanks Vivek!!

Blackpoll warbler (Dendroica striata)


Cape May Warbler (Dendroica tigrina)

While in the Central Park and walking across one of the big lawns I was able to get a wonderful sight of a bird kiting up above in the sky.

That bird was the Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

And I end this wonderful trip with the only butterfly I was able to snap -

the Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis)

Ducking @ St. James Park, London

These snaps were clicked in the heart of London in the St. James Park. I had forgotten how amazing in feels to get soo many Lifers in one go.
Check out a wide range of Ducks below.

London Aquarium

Also went to see the London Aquarium near the River Thames. Though I was a bit disappointed, cos I imagined it was bigger. The space is a bit cramped with the Aquarium mostly underground in two levels of basement, but they have done the most possible out of that space and the big shark tank is quiet impressive. Probably making it worth one visit.

I think the sunken Moai (monolithic human figure statue as seen on Easter Island ) goes very well with the Shark theme. Check more about the Aquarium @ http://www.londonaquarium.co.uk

Birding at the Hook

Finally got a day with a clear sky and dashed for the beach (at Hook of Holland or as it locally known Hoek Van Holland) . And look who all I found enjoying a nice day in the sun.

(Lifer Terns)






I remember once seeing these guys at Uran, near Mumbai, India. (Or atleast I thought at that point that I had seen them)