Siberian Blue Robin, コルリ

Lurking in the dark, just coming out for a few seconds to catch a bite, this bird also presents a challenge of its own kind.

Guess who dropped by? The Tanuki family. Would they have babies this year?

Being by myself this cutie often came to perch right in front of me, Did he sense that I wasn't a threat? Did he mean to urge me on?

Japanese Paradise Flycatcher, サンコウチョウ

This might be the hardest bird to capture for me. Only once a year do we get the chance to see him like this, the male with bright blue eye markings and the long, long tail. The pressure is on. Listening to the call: "hoi hoi hoi", watching the bird (mostly the tail actually) moving rapidly just below the canopy of the highest trees, where the greenery is thick and dark. Waiting until it sits somewhere for a second,,,

山の方 - a morning in the mountains part 1

The last day of April and it's crowded. Summer birds are everywhere. They have just arrived and are not yet settled in their territories, many still looking for a partner. Every one is calling, chattering, singing, it's a real party.

Narcissus Flycatcher, キビタキ

Virtually no trimming. This guy was so curious, I nearly expected him to land on the camera.

Lots of flowers too, like these insect eaters on the right and below

Blue-and-white Flycatcher, オオルリ

Very pretty small stuff.

Japanese Thrush, クロツグミ

male 

female

山の方 - a morning in the mountains part 2

Heard from afar: several Winter Wrens, ミソサザイ

Eurasian Nuthatch, ゴジュウカラ 

A Coal Tit, ヒガラ taking a bath

Varied Tit, ヤマガラ

In the river: One pretty Brown Dipper, カワガラス

and another one, rather ugly

  

shake shake shake

On the way back home: wild Primula, Bird's Eye Primrose