Common Merganser, カワアイサ and some more

A whole weekend without jobs and duties for both of us? Where did that suddenly come from? I felt like celebrating. So we did. With a luxurious relaxing bath at a scenic hot spring, a stroll along the sightly river and a visit to exotic curry place. The weather was reasonable, though we started off with rain. Good for some mysterious scenery

Locals cleaning the beautiful river, burning debris at intervals. They understand the value of their environment.

Halfway down the river, a male Common Merganser, カワアイサ

Among the wintering ducks were a number of Gadwalls, オカヨシガモ

The Merganser again

A Sparrowhawk, ハイタカ came to take a rest on the opposite river bank

What is it... she?.. doing?

A female Merganser, all by herself.

but not for long

Together now

Little things around Fukuoka

Walking to my check points, hoping to see something interesting, I end up with very little.

 A small flock of Yellow-throated Bunting, ミヤマホオジロ was skimming the edge of the forest.

A Pale Thrush, シロハラ eating black fruit of Glossy Privet,トウネズミモチ

I looked for White-eyes in the plum blossom, but didn't see any. Had to make do with the bees

Just some mushrooms in a dark corner of the woods.

Paulownia tomentosa tree, commonly known as the Princess Tree or Empress Tree, キリ

Red-breasted Merganser, ウミアイサ

There were 4 birds that hung around the breaking waves about 200m from the coast in the small bay. 2 of them, a male and female came a little closer after a while. I had to hide behind the wall for about 30min. They all moved away and when they met with another group they performed a display.

Red-breasted Merganser, ウミアイサ

Acts of display. Too far for good photos, but through my binoculars it looked spectacular

Another far away scene: hundreds of cormorants crossing Hakata Bay

No water!

One day it was very cold. The water in the basin was frozen. Many Grosbeaks came down from the trees, but could not get a proper drink. Panic!

Japanese Grosbeak, イカル

Where are you walking? On Ice!!?

It didn't take long to figure it out. They all left.

Next chance: a nook in one of the big trees. The space is small and there wasn't much water in it. Good conditions for some squabbling and skirmishing.

Not only the Grosbeaks. These Dusky Thrushes, ツグミ were annoyed as well.

At a different tree, the same Grosbeaks.

It's hard in winter when the competition is fierce. I hope they will all make it to spring