After the American guest at Higashiyoka on April 18, we drove to Shiroiashi to check out the lotus fields. Instantly, a long-time wish came true: A male Merlin was sitting on the wire! Last time I saw one was so long ago, I could barely remember it.
Merlin, コチョウゲンボウ
It was close to a field with lots of Stilts. More than 20 birds. They are doing well, it seems
Black-winged Stilt, セイタカシギ
Next was the Stork family. A parent was flying around, looking for food...
Oriental Stork, コウノトリ
...and landed in a ditch near me. What a close-up!
I backed up the car and had another look.
The birds are clearly used to having people around
At the nest I could see 4 chicks! I hope they will make it to adulthood safely
Back around the old Lotus fields, where the water level was too high for small birds like Stints, but some others were there.
Marsh Sandpipers, コアオアシシギ
Wood Sandpipers, タカブシギ
Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, ウズラシギ
Common Snipe, タシギ
The new-comers were announcing their present in a loud voice, but stayed mostly hidden below. Except for one, that stayed quiet...
Great Reed Warbler, オオヨシキリ
At the far end of one of the fields were about 6 Garganeys, シマアジ
