Urban Birding. Almaty. Dendropark.

A long time I was not in Dendropark (aka President’s Park). I didn’t expect special to watch any bird, I wanted to explore territory. Day was warm and sunny, therefore people in park were quite a lot. But birds were quite a few. First bird I saw was the Kestel catched the prey and perching to the top of spruce tree started to eat it. More likely prey is the mice or shrew. Then I saw common Magpies and Rooks. Following the story “Rooks and Walnuts” – today I saw at least 5 Rooks with walnuts. In other words – all Rooks I saw close today were with walnuts in beaks and tried to hide it. In the sky I once noticed two Mallards, I saw them many times but never take photos. I don’t have any guess from where and to where Mallards fly.

Then I noticed soaring Sparrowhawk, then I noticed Kestel again, then again Sparrowhawk, I think they were the same birds I saw before. Of the little passerines I saw the flock of tree Sparrows in bushes near water stream crossed the park, and also three Chiffchaffs, two Great Tits in pine grove, and two Eversmann’s Redstarts in birch-trees. I expected the Eastern Buzzard and I saw it, not one but three birds! Buzzards probably just hopped off (though I was near the park entrance), and slowly gained altitude and flew away in southern direction.

Also today I took photos of Vanessa atalanta, which I never saw before today.

1. Vanessa atalanta

2. Vanessa cardui

3. Aglais urticae

4.

5. Eversmann's Redstart | Phoenicurus erythronotus

6. Rook | Corvus frugilegus

7. Eastern Buzzard | Buteo japonicus

8. Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris exalbidus)