This blog is for family and friends, to share my feelings and photos with and for myself, to support my fading memory. Readers who have my site translated automatically, please refer to the original if necessary. Especially when it comes to identification. Any comments, anonymous or by email name are always welcome!.
The next day was quite different. The morning light was a bit harsh, creating strong shadows. Different birds came to visit. Besides the usual Tits and Pekin Robins there were White-eyes en Bulbuls. Even a Siskin dropped by. One of the lady Pheasants also had a quick drink, but disappeared after that. Jays hung around in the back.
マヒワ,
Eurasian Siskin, シジュウカラ,
Great Tit
ヤマガラ,
Varied Tit
I love watching the Varied Tits bathing.
On the parking lot clouds of insects hoovered amongst the Sakura trees. Several flycatchers were enjoying the banquet.
Another jewel at the pond, the Japanese Thrush. Hiding for a while behind a few leaves, before taking up the courage to enter the water. Constantly watching us and off again in no time.
On October 9th we took the sleeping bags for an overnighter at Mt Unzen in Nagasaki pref.
The pond at Azamidani is a favorite birding spot and this was my 3rd visit.
In the afternoon of our arrival we got quite lucky, with a juvenile male Copper Pheasant walking in leasurely, followed by 2 females, one adult and one juv.
ヤマドリ, Copper Pheasant
Here comes the lady...
Returning for the 3rd time in 50 min. What a treat!
We left Alishan at 6:15 am to meet Noriko and friends, and drive to Ryumon no taki in Oita pref.
Taki means waterfall and it was a big one, after all that rain of the recent weeks.
See here the scene:
Look at the center of the photo. Left of the highest point of the waterfall is a big rock.This is where the action starts. Behind the ridge is a small basin, from where we could enter the river and let ourselves get carried down to the bottom in a mass of wild raging water.
To protect our precious bums we used inflatable donuts with handles and hanging on to those was all one could do. That and... scream!!! Here goes Noriko
Well done. Next Jaap..... sideways
pretty good so far, but...
finishing upside down
Still early in the morning we had the place almost to ourselves. Not quite though, a TV team of national NHK was there too and saw some potential excitement in us. Of course there had to be an interview (and I always hate it) but the guys were nice. Mr. NHK:
Good start
eyes closed
feet up!
still onboard
last big scream
and nearly a smile
Our host, Mr Kotake, also known as Mr. Mont Blanc (because he is a top trail-runner and likes high places)
Can you see the video camera he is holding in his right hand?
The waterproof test
A lot of fun. Climbing that steep rock was the scary part for me. Dutch feet aren't used to mountains.
Watch the Video
Dekita! (I did it!)
And I returned home with multiple bruises. Oops, rocks are solid!
Later in the day, when day-trippers and holiday makers had woken up, it became too risky. Although no children climbed the rock, they crowded the less steep parts below and our people on the water slide could not always avoid bumping into them.
We were ready for a break anyway, so we dove into the hot waters of the natural spa around the corner.
