Red-breasted Merganser, ウミアイサ

There were 4 birds that hung around the breaking waves about 200m from the coast in the small bay. 2 of them, a male and female came a little closer after a while. I had to hide behind the wall for about 30min. They all moved away and when they met with another group they performed a display.

Red-breasted Merganser, ウミアイサ

Acts of display. Too far for good photos, but through my binoculars it looked spectacular

Another far away scene: hundreds of cormorants crossing Hakata Bay

Red-breasted Mergansers, ウミアイサ in action

The Mergansers are getting ready to move on. They look great in breeding colors, and their behaviour is "jumpy" to put it mildly. Pairs have mostly been established, but males are active in display, impressing the ladies and defending them from others. The competition is fierce!

Male and female

meeting 2 other males

The 3 get into action

Another one coming in

Push out your breasts

Stretch your necks

Bend down, like you're nearly drowning

And chase competitors 

Most females pay hardly any attention and act like they don't know what all the fuss is about.

However, occasionally one gets upset.

Handsome male

2 Goldeneyes, ホオジロガモ flew by in the distance

March 8th, I thought they had left...

Winter in Imazu 1

The first birds of the year in the Imazu area.

American Wigeon, アメリカヒドリ　Seems to be a yearly visitor now

Grey Plover, ダイゼン  Just 1 bird - same as last year?

Male Eurasian Kestrel, チョウゲンボウ

There have been so many females in the past, I nearly forgot what a male looked like 😀

Harlequin Ducks, シノリガモ

It would have been nice to see them a bit closer, but every time I check they move further away.

Red-breasted Mergansers, ウミアイサ male and female. 

Winter would not be the same without them

December sightings in the west

Just when I told someone I hoped to see a Red-breasted Merganser, ウミアイサ on land, one female was coming really close

Come on, hop on a slab! I want to see your feet.

No luck, feet stayed out of sight. I had to wait for this ↓ 

 I didn't see any Harlequin Ducks, シノリガモ

At the same place: Eurasian Wigeon, ヒドリガモ - My winged sister

Grey Bunting, クロジ - Always happy to see you

Blue Rock Thrush, イソヒヨドリ

Buff-bellied Pipit, タヒバリ

On the other side of the bay, just one Brown Booby, カツオドリ was decorating the skyline

Red-breasted Mergansers, ウミアイサ display

This is when I realized I should practice taking videos

There were 7 Red-breasted Mergansers, ウミアイサ. 2 Males and 5 females. The competition was on!

A flock of Loons, オオハム as it seems

Some Great Crested Grebes, カンムリカイツブリ have changed color

Last one