Tricia performing at the Moth

Just back from a weekend in NYC, mainly to support my wife who was performing in her first Moth slam (NPR’s the Moth).  She was leading until the very last performer – not bad for her first time – and eventually finished runner-up to a Moth veteran, beaten by a single point.

Pipped by Jen Lee

Fact is though, NYC is a great place to visit for a husband/wife team of birder/stage performer.  I visited Central Park during the day, leaving the evenings free for Broadway etc.  In a couple of hours relaxed birding, I managed to see species thirty-six species, including six species of waterfowl, five species of woodpecker, and a varied thrush.

Northern Shoveler and Ruddy Duck, Central Park Reservoir

Pied-billed Grebe, Central Park Reservoir

Red-headed Woodpecker, Central Park