Looking for Wagtails, セキレイ in Imazu on a rainy day.

After reading about the foreign wagtails, I went out to search for them in the west. It was a rainy day; I found none. But... I saw a fox! And it was wagging its tail to me 😉

Japanese fox, キツネ

A big flock of Whimbrels, チュウシャクシギ was crossing the river. When they landed, they blended in with the concrete wall. From a distant, just the bills sticking out above the water could be seen. A closer look produced one different face. An up-turned bill, rather than downwards curved caught my eye.

Can you see it?

There is one Bar-tailed Godwit, オオソリハシシギ

Towards the south, a Grey-faced Buzzard, サシバ was crying out loud. Glad the rain had stopped

Then in the evening at a busy intersection, the noise of many wagtails! Maybe 50 birds. But no foreigners, I think

The one and only Wood Sandpiper, タカブシギ in the field, would he be glad　to have the place to himself?

Fox, キツネ

Serendipity. Looking for one thing, finding something else... better?... maybe. I was pleasantly surprised. The fox was, too it seemed. He (or she) was not in a hurry to move on. Curiosity? I have no idea about their species, I only know one word:

Fox, キツネ

At the same location, Eastern Buzzard, ノスリ

Isahaya again

 After a long spell of bad weather I went to Isahaya again in February, more or less because I could not think of another place. It was sunny, but very windy. Small birds were mostly absent. Raptors flew, but not often. The lack of birders should have warned me. However, there is always something to see.

Female Hen Harrier, ハイイロチュウヒ first thing in the morning

Eastern Buzzard, ノスリ

I checked out the regular points.

Female Hen Harrier, ハイイロチュウヒ again

Eastern Marsh Harrier, チュウヒ

1 young Whooper Swan, オオハクチョウ faa-r away.

Common Starlings, ホシムクドリ

Surprise of the day. Fox, キツネ

This Buzzard perched on top of the tree had me thinking.  Could it be a Rough-legged Buzzard, ケアシノスリ ???

The clouds had rolled in and colors turned grey. These Falcated Ducks, ヨシガモ 3 males and 1 female had me entertained with their actions of display. If only the sun came through...

After that I drove back home