On a holiday visit from California, I stayed on the east edge of Islington in northeast London December 19-31. I almost left my good camera and lens kit behind, as we were planning lots of theater and museum time, and I thought that winter weather, low light, and the urban setting wouldn't make for bird photography. I'm glad I changed my mind, as there were many hours of sun, and I found plenty of photo-ops in Clissold Park, a short walk from where we were staying; these were only enhanced by the snow and the frozen ponds. I had some guidance from the website Hackney Wildlife, and also from a couple of local birders I met in Clissold Park.

I've posted some of my pictures, including three of warblers that I understand are unusual here at any time (Cetti's) and in winter (Chiffchaff). Thanks to Mark Pearson of Hackney Wildlife for help with the identifications. I hope North London birders may enjoy the pictures of their familiar birds as well. I've used North American common names, more familiar to most of my visitors.