I haven't been out looking for over a week, except to a vacant lot with a lot of brushy growth and grasses where I've seen some migrants. Then the lot was mowed and the weather was bad and even that option disappeared. Regardless, I asked God to send me a good bird today. Hours later while I was in the kitchen baking a pie I heard an uncommon bird song outside the window. Low and behold, an Eastern Towhee (Rufous-sided) was exploring the fire escapes across the way. Not a first, but a first since I've been in NY.
Deo gratias.

There is a vacant lot two blocks away, on 1st Avenue between 35th and 36th. Although the lot has been prepped for construction, it's been quiet a long time, long enough so that tall grasses have sprung up around the perimeter. Where you find tall wild grasses you are likely to find birds. This morning I saw an intriguing yellow warblers with white wing bars on the back and a streaked breast, with a yellow eye stripe. I can't identify it, however, because nothing in the books looks like it. I went back later hoping to get a better look and saw instead a brown bird with white or pale yellow underside, black legs and feet and yellow on the tail. I haven't ben able to ID that bird either.

No serious birding, but spotted a nice ruby crowned kinglet in the neighborhood while walking Gabby.

On Thursday the 28th I made it to Central Park for an hour or so. Caught some mallards having a siesta, and saw two yellow birds, one tiny, like a kinglet in size, but bright yellow all over. I got aclose look at the thing, but still can't ID it. I saw a second yellow bird, much larger, and can't figure out that one yet either. I think its time I latched onto a group for some identification in the field before I waste time trying to get it all myself. I have forgotten a lot, it seems.