Yesterday at 9-10:30 am on November 27, 2016, I went to City Hall Park in Manhattan to see the vagrant female Western Tanager (Piranga ludoviciana) that I heard about on social media.

It is amazing how many unusual birds find their way to NYC. This robin sized bird drinks sap in holes made by a local Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. I also observed it hawking for insects. There were at least 30 birders there on Saturday morning peering up into the large trees.

A local American Kestrel showed up and the birds laid low.

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wow!
What a treat to find the western tanager here! I never tire of finding western tanagers. And I really like the kestrel photo, Sherry — really fun.
Thanks Jet.
Hello, Enjoying your blog and photographs. My friend who grew up here in rural Maine ( a neighbor of mine) left Maine after college to run Audubon tours in Central Park. I am always amazed at the bird life he encounters! It is wonderful to know people are enjoying the flora and fauna of the NYC parks. Enjoy your day!
Thank you for dropping by. I have some friends in Maine, Abby Shahn is one, near Solon and know lots of birders in NYC. What’s the name of the birder you knew?
How ironic that the kestrel rests upon the head of Justice! Great shots, Sherry.
I thought that was funny too 🙂
Not an easy bird to spot among the golden autumn leaves.
With all the eyes on the job it was easy 🙂