Migrating Birds in Fukuoka 6

A surprise visit from 2 Green Pigeons. I often hear their call in the mountains, it's unmistakable, but I hardly ever see them. Too much green. What made them come flying to this hill downtown? They should not be under a post titled "Migrating birds in Fukuoka", because they don't migrate, they live here. And so do the Long-tailed Tits. But it's in this season that they were seen, so I will leave it as that.

White-bellied Green Pigeon.,  アオバト

 

Long-tailed Tit, エナガ

arrogance 傲慢

Migrating birds in Fukuoka 5

Another Thrush, a winter visitor who has been here for 4 months and has to leave soon. He or she (?) has started to feel quite at home now. I saw him lurking in the dark way below the wooded slope on another day and just when I was wondering what was happening down there he jumped right in front of me, startling us both.

Whites's Thrush, トラツグミ

 He quickly flew back down, but an hour later he was coming up hill again. 

Japanese Great Tit,  シジュウカラ

These tits won't be going anywhere now. The are already pairing and building their nests. I love their marking and like to watch them bathing.

  

Migrating birds in Fukuoka 4

Another colorful treat in April:

male Narcissus Flycatcher,  キビタキ

A wild flower of the Gentian family, フデリンドウ (Gentiana zollingeri)

Migrating birds in Fukuoka 3

Shuffling among the dead leaves, a female Japanese Thrush,  クロツグミ

Sendaimushikui, hard to identify from below, but the call is a sure give away: It sounds like Jaap's bicycle.

Eastern Crowned warbler  センダイムシクイ

The following birds have been here all winter and are getting ready to move north: 

Red-flanked Bluetail,  ルリビタキ

Another winterbird, gathering with his mates before the big jump

Pale Thrush,  シロハラ

Migrating birds in Fukuoka 2

The highlight of the season is when the Japanese Robins arrive. They hide in the darkest bushes, like Rhododendrons and hedges and occasionally come out for just a few seconds to pick at some insect. Every now and then there is one that isn't shy and comes out right in front of you as if saying: didn't you bring my food for the day?

Japanese Robin,  コマドリ

The first male, oddly at a very bright place.

Number 2 in the early morning

singing!

An intruder, Mr or Mrs Yabusame, also on the way in and out.

Asian Stubtail Warbler,   ヤブサメ 

The male robin again, being curious

And nr 3, a female this time.

Nr 4?

There must have been 5 or 6 birds in the vicinity, we could hear their songs coming from several directions. If I'd had all the time of the day I might have found them all...

Japanese Wild Iris,   シャガ  (Iris japonica)