The Golden Hour

At the end of the day, when the sun was setting, an orange glow hung over the fields. The Stilts lost their contrast in black and white and turned a soft golden beige. Their legs bright, nearly orange.

Black-winged Stilts, セイタカシギ

At the far corner a Spotted Redshank, ツルシギ appeared 

A Little Ringed Plover, コチドリ came up close.

The quiet and peaceful beauty made up for the lack of spring green

Around the Lotus fields

After visiting the mudflats of Higashiyoka we went to check the fields in Shiroishi. 7 Stilts were feeding in a waterlogged field, while people were working there. It was surprising to see how close they got to 2 of the women. Maybe it was because their bodies were partly submerged and thus didn't seem big and threatening to the birds.

Black-winged Stilts, セイタカシギ

The male Northern Shovelers, ハシビロガモ look stunning in their spring-time outfits

Again, 2 Ospreys, ミサゴ at the same location as before. I suppose they are a pair. Where would they build their nest?

Common Reed Bunting, オオジュリン. Will I ever see your black head?

Oriental Turtle Doves, キジバト resting in the low sunlight

The Stork nest was in use. Just 1 parent's head stuck out above the rim. Better not come close.

I'm looking forward to the results!

Higashiyoka Spoonbills

After the waders started flying there was a lull, where we could only watch the sleeping Spoonbills. Black-faced and Eurasian alike with their head feathers blowing in the wind. Once they woke up, there was a bit more action.

Higashiyoka, March 21

Arriving early is good. On March 21st is was essential. The birds that start flying when the tide runs in, and usually return to find a place to rest closer to the shore line, well, they didn't come back... All birds' pictures are either on the mud or at a distance.

Long-billed Dowitchers, オオハシシギ and Grey Plovers, ダイセン

Bar-tailed Godwit, オオソリハシシギ in front of the Spoonbills, who will feature in the next post.

Back-lit

Common Ringed Plover, ハジロコチドリ 

Only got to see a few Stints. This one seemed to be a Little Stint, ヨーロッパトウネン

With Saunders's Gulls, ズグロカモメ

Longer legs, different posture and way of feeding. A little more contrast...

Now, who is who?

Many Saunders's Gulls, ズグロカモメ were sporting black heads.

2 Flagged Dunlins, ハマシギ . Here is one:

Great Knot, オバシギ. Just one. But it's a start

Flying Far Eastern Curlew, ホウロクシギ

Eurasian Curlews, ダイシャクシギ

Look at the Spoonbills next!

Exploring the east

I hardly ever visit the other side of the city. Hence, I don't know the best time and place to see the Oystercatchers. It was all a bit far

Eurasian Oystercatcher, ミヤコドリ

Passing by the field where I used to see Lapwings before, I decided to stop and check. Sure, they are there. No chicks yet, as far as I could tell. Maybe they're on the way.

Grey-headed Lapwing, ケリ