Only in New York

There are a few compensations for living in the Big Apple besides Pale Male & Lola. Matthew Wills sent in the following: 


Where: Backyard between between E. 48th/49th and 3rd/2nd, next to Turtle Bay Gardens
When: 11:45 a.m.

A male summer tanager has been hanging out this morning in the norway maples behind the townhouse I work in.  He is absolutely spectacular. 

I'm always envious of you lucky folks in the parks during the weekday, but occasionally the little islands of green between our city blocks draw down something delightful.  Past sightings here this spring include ruby crowned kinglet, tufted titmouse, hermit thrush, palm warbler, and white throated sparrow, in addition to blue jay, crow, morning dove, house sparrow, and that street chicken, the rock dove.