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!

The 1st day of February

 The first Sunday, so we started with a walk around Imazu

Finally, the Reed Buntings, オオジュリン showed up

A huge flock of Cormorants, カワウ formed an island-like black patch in the middle of the estuary.

I counted 1070 birds. Anyone wants to check?

A few minutes later they all flew up

4 Grey Plovers, ダイセン - exactly where I saw them 2 months before

American Wigeon, アメリカヒドリ - looking a bit more green

Afterwards we drove to Itoshima to see the one Greater White-fronted Goose, マガン...

...and the Tundra Swan, コハクチョウ

Common Teals and some more

When I realized I didn't have any good photos of Common Teals, I stopped at the waterlogged fields in Saga, where reflection is good on a windless day.

 Common Teals, コガモ

It's a bit the same with Spoonbills. I see them so often, I hardly care to take notice.

Black-faced Spoonbills, クロツラヘラサギ in Itoshima.

Some of the few sightings this winter of Common Reed Buntings, オオジュリン also in Itoshima

Whooper Swan, オオハクチョウ on the way back.

Winter trip - Saga

We're in Saga, nearly back home. Our 11-day winter trip has come to an end. This is the first post of our trip report, covering Kagoshima, Kumamoto and Saga in 12 parts. It's a long read!

Early in the morning at Higashiyoka, a Short-eared Owl was keenly patrolling the reed-covered land plots behind the sea wall. 

Short-eared Owl, コミミズク

When the sun warmed us up, a few small birds poked their head out.

Common Reed Bunting, オオジュリン

Penduline Tit, ツリスガラ

Zitting Cisticola, セッカ

with each leg on a different leaf

Female Daurian Redstart, ジョウビタキ Puffed up her feathers to stay warm

Male Hen Harrier, ハイイロチュウヒ, chasing a flock of waterbirds over the mudflats

There were 2 Common Ringed Plovers, ハジロコチドリ, whose orange legs I could just make out in the distance. Thank you for showing me, C-san!

Last, the enticing sweeping flocks of mostly Dunlins across the mudflats 💗

The last stop on the last day of our winter holiday. Billie took us safely a fair 1100 km around Kyushu in 11 days. Saga was the perfect end of what was a wonderful trip for the 2 of us.

Penduline Tits, ツリスガラ

Little fleeting noises in the reeds. First I see the Reed Buntings, then the small birds eating from the fluffy reed seeds. They are the Penduline Tits, ツリスガラ

With their size and color, they can easily disappear from view

Males and females look similar, but the males have a grey head

Common Reed Bunting, オオジュリン