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

Beach scenery with gulls

Little wind, warm sunshine. The best conditions for a walk on the beach in March. The ducks, the gulls and I, we all love it.

Mew Gulls, カモメ

Some ducks are playing in the gentle surf.

 Is the Scaup a bit upset?

More Gulls, Vega 2nd? winter youngsters and an adult.  

Black-throated Loons, オオハム

March 17th. It took me a while to find some. Without local knowledge, where do we go? Finally, I came to the place where 4 birds came a little closer, and from where I could see a little more than the pinpoints of the week before. No real summer plumage, though. 

Black-throated Loons, オオハム

4 birds together 

In a few minutes they were gone.

Enjoy your day on the beach!　Spot-billed Ducks, カルガモ

Cruising low above the fields behind the dunes, female Hen Harrier, ハイイロチュウヒ

Imazu area

One day there were many, the next day none. Was it the Harrier that kept on coming back? 

Penduline Tits, ツリスガラ

female Hen Harrier, ハイイロチュウヒ

Eurasian Kestrel, チョウゲンボウ

Chestnut-eared Bunting, ホオアカ

Common Snipe, タシギ