Birdwatching in downtown Tokyo (February 21, 2011)

Although I originally planned to photograph Golden-crowned Sparrow, which has been seen in north western Chiba Pref. since last month, I decided to go to Meiji-jingu likely last month.  Weather was cloudy and even bit windy.  The famous shinto shirne was very crowded as usual.  However, gyoen is quite as not many people go in the park while 500 YEN is needed to go in.

A male Orange-flanked Bush-Robin was easily found and was still tame.  I spent about 45 minutes and enjoyed photographing it.  The individual was surprisingly tame.  It even came closer.....

Flock of Grey Bunting was absent as nobody left seed for the buntings, though a male was briefly seen in the bush. 

I dropped off one of the ponds in the shrine for watching Mandarin Ducks.  Although the  number was small, they are still in the pond, too.

In the emperor's palace (or Koukyo), Falcated Teal and Smew were seen well.  A male Smew came closer unusually. 

Orange-flanked Bush-Robin

Orange-flanked Bush-Robin

Orange-flanked Bush-Robin

Orange-flanked Bush-Robin

Orange-flanked Bush-Robin

Orange-flanked Bush-Robin

Orange-flanked Bush-Robin

Orange-flanked Bush-Robin

Japanese Bush-Warbler

Japanese Bush-Warbler

Japanese Bush-Warbler

Japanese Bush-Warbler

Japanese Bush-Warbler

Great Tit (male)

Mandarin Duck

Mandarin Duck

Mandarin Duck

Mandarin Duck

Mandarin Duck

Mallard

Falcated Teal

Falcated Teal

Falcated Teal

Smew

Smew

Smew

Smew

Smew

Herring (Vega) Gull

Herring (Vega) Gull

Herring (Vega) Gull

Slaty-backed Gull