Migrating birds in Fukuoka 1

The following x posts are a accumulation of one whole week long in April, from the day when the first migrating birds arrived. Most birds can only be seen this time of the year and most bird-lovers spend all their available time outdoors.

Blue-and-white Flycatcher,  オオルリ

While waiting for "things to happen" I entertain myself with the common birds, like these starlings.

White-cheeked Starling,  ムクドリ 

The battle of Pheasants, キジ

Once upon a time there was a young male pheasant in a field of weeds, who called out in spring to find a girl....

A big adult male, who happened to stroll by, could not let that happen. He turned on his heels and headed for the green field. Where are you?

He pushed out his breast and went in search.

Who do you think you are???

This shadow boxing lasted several minutes. It stopped suddenly and the young male tried to run.

But the big boy went after him and he gave him no respite.

They ran and ran the same course around and around, as in an athletic race, right in front of us.

After some 10 rounds they took a left and disappeared. I found them some time later in the forest, where they were still at it. The bigger bird was now tearing out the other's feathers.

Somebody yelled "Stop it!" and then that's what they did. The boss strode off, deeper into the forest and left the young boy to lick his wounds.

Poor guy.

Junko overcoming her repulse of worms in trying to cheer him up.

Swimming Gold

From March in the JR hall at Hakata eki: Aquarium art. Many goldfish in different tanks and bowls, enhanced with spotlights in all colors. A chance to practice photography in low light without the aid of a tripod. (Not allowed)

Is this art?

A morning at sea

We (as in my birding friends and me) chartered catamaran Fu Kyo and gathered at 6 am to explore the waters outside the bay. Despite the forecast saying little wind, we had quite a few knots, not from the south, but the west. The result was a choppy sea. Too many waves made it very hard to detect small birds, but we found one Auklet and had to do with what ever flew over and sat on the rocks for the rest of the trip. I was happy Fu Kyo's stability made this trip possible and we definitely want to do this again one day!

Sunrise in Hakata Bay

Our one and only Rhinoceros Auklet,  ウトウ

Pelagic Cormorants,  ヒメウ

A pair of Ospreys and their nest on Ainoshima,  ミサゴ

Monthly Sunday meeting of WBSJ in Imazu

It's nice to have so many eyes doing the job. We can chat and exchange infomation.
Migrating season has started, Stonechats seem to be everywhere. Some winter visitors that haven't left yet are now in summer dress. It's the best time of the year.

Garganey,  シマアジ　

Naumann's Thrush,  ハチジョウツグミ

This is why renkon fields are so important for birds: They can scan the mud for food without exposing themselves. I hope farmers in Imazu will always be growing lotus root.

 The last 2 Saunders's Gulls, ズグロカモメ  sporting black heads

Siberian Stonechat, ノビタキ. They are so cute, I can't stop watching them. First the male: 

Next the female:

The last 2 just wanted to have their picture taken: Oriental Greenfinch,  カワラヒワ

And Little Ringed Plover, コチドリ