The last of Ko-ikaru, コイカル

In January I visited the park several times to see the birds gathering at the waterbasin. The Grosbeaks made it a great spectacle. They came down from the trees in numbers of 10 or mor e. There was only one Chinese Grosbeak, or Yellow Grosbeak among them and if you came early, you would have a chance to see it. sometimes once, just a few seconds. Other times 2 or 3 times. But never long.

Chinese Grosbeak, or Yellow Grosbeak, コイカル

Some days were sunny, other days cloudy. Cloudy was good.

But then I only saw its back

However, another day it would come again...

...and again

Until suddenly it stopped visiting us. That's (bird) life 😔

Grosbeaks in the park

The most popular bird in M Park is the Chinese Grosbeak, beyond doubt. A long line of cameras is set up at the water basin, where photographers might get a chance to observe the target bird at eye level. They have to be there early, though. And prepared to wait in the cold. I did and braved the elements 3 times. Yet again, without gloves.

Japanese Grosbeak, イカル and Chinese Grosbeak, コイカル (right)

More black on the head, orange flanks and a slightly smaller body.

Darker colored on the back as well

Off he is

If he doesn't come down to drink, you have to look for him in the trees.

At another location, Japanese Grosbeak, イカル, are having a ball

Enjoy!

Ikaru, Ko-ikaru. Grosbeaks in the park.

We have lots of Japanese Grosbeaks here in Kyushu. During the summer, they stay at the top of the trees, mostly in the cool mountain areas. In winter, they come down to the city parks and descend from the trees to find food and water. Watching them at a waterbassin is a lot of fun, especially when a different colored bird joins the crowd. The Chinese Grosbeak. Many keen photographers with huge lenses gather and wait for that moment. 

Yeah, there he is!

Black head, orange flanks, slightly smaller posture and a different song. When I listen to a recording it seems clear, but out in the field I can't catch it 😝

After a few seconds it flew up in the trees.

Hope to see more next time.

The following day. I returned early. Too early for the gates - I didn't know. Sorry

Koikaru stopped for just a second. Why the hurry? 

Up in the trees again...

The others are having a party

Chinese and Japanese Grosbeaks, イカル, コイカル

The following day I arrived early and though it took a while to locate them, I found the place where the Japanese Grosbeaks, イカル came down to the ground. Thanx to the other birders.

Tree huggers

After watching them going back and forth for a while I noticed a different bird. More black on the head, and orange-colored flanks - a Chinese Grosbeak, コイカル

I was so happy, because until now I had heard the call, but never managed to capture one.

A lifer!

One more photo of that first moment:

Thank you everyone for your support!