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!

Stonechats and some more seasonable birds

Tuesday, October 8th. The rain was supposed to clear in the afternoon, but that didn't happen. However, we set out in search of Stonechats. When we finally found them, they were far away and hardly came close. That is usually the case when birds have just arrived.

Black-browed Reed Warbler, コヨシキリ

Stonechat, ノビタキ  First of the season

In another field we found a Zitting Cisticola, セッカ with an insect. Is it still nesting?

On the way back, one young Whiskered Tern, クロハラアジサシ

A few days later, when the weather was clear and sunny the Stonechats, ノビタキ were still shy, but the urge to perch on a pole is strong

A little closer

In one of the 2 ponds a Northern Shoveler, ハシビロガモ was all by itself

The lonesome Tern, クロハラアジサシ was there as well, looking much nicer against the blue sky.

One Black-browed Reed Warbler, コヨシキリ flew by and briefly showed itself.

And later just one Black-winged Stilt, セイタカシギ could be seen in one of the rice paddies.

Many single birds today. I feel sorry for them

The last 2 photos are from October 6th. A Great Knot, オバシギ and a Red Knot, コオバシギ on the concrete wall at high tide. 

Left the Red Knot, コオバシギ       Right the Great Knot, オバシギ

Left the Great Knot, オバシギ       Right the Red Knot, コオバシギ

Imazu follow-up

 After a dark grey and rainy tanchokai I went back briefly the next day, looking for what we had missed. There was just one Spotted Redshank and 2 Garganeys. The Buzzard was performing really well.

Spotted Redshank, ツルシギ

2 Garganeys, シマアジ 

Beautiful blond Eastern Buzzard, ノスリ

Was hanging around the area between the school and the 2 ponds most of the morning.

At one stage it flew right in front of me. Lucky!!

Also around: Northern Shoveler, ハシビロガモ (male)

Common Reed Bunting, オオジュリン in summer colors

Pied Avocet, ソリハシセイタカシギ

Finally, back on the road. Losing my purse with all sorts of cards and my driver's license had me grounded for some time. GRRRR. 😖 Now all has been dealt with or replaced (except for the money of course) so I can go out again. Back to MF

10 Years ago, it was such a novelty when an Avocet was seen. Birders from all over Kyushu gathered to watch the 1 or 2 birds. Now I wonder: who will come to the pond to see this one bird?

On a grey and cloudy day all looks monochrome

The Shovelers, ハシビロガモ have their special way of feeding. 

All bums up and move around, let's go!

It's so funny, I can't stop watching them.