Falcated Duck, ヨシガモ

I have posted images of these pretty ducks before, but in spring, when the sun shines their colors improve and their long tertials stand out. I was hoping to see some courtship display, but it might've been too early for that yet.

  

Saga

On the way back from the Ariake Sea to Fukuoka we stopped at a few places 

Near the cost: Common Starling, ホシムクドリ

In a city park: Yellow-browed Bunting, ミヤマホオジロ

And Japanese Grosbeak, イカル

In a mountain stream: Brown Dipper, カワガラス

Saga, at the northern tip of the Ariake Sea 3

A fair number (over 50) of curlews were on the move. They headed for shallow waters in tune with the incoming tide

Eurasian Curlew, ダイシャクシギ

White under the wings and lower belly

Some Far Eastern Curlew, ホウロクシギ appeared as well. 

More brown and streaked under wings

In the gull department we saw some different birds among the Vega's. 

Below a Taimyr Gull, タイミルセグロカモメ on the right with bright orange-yellowish legs.

And a Mongolian Gull, モンゴルセグロカモメ. More fleshy colored legs and brown spots on upper and lower bill.

Thanx to Mr H. for helping me with the identification.

Last in the far far distance the fat shape of a Long-billed Dowitcher, オオハシシギ

Saga, at the northern tip of the Ariake Sea 2

The flashy and sensational flight show of dunlins , interspersed with skirmishing spoonbills proved very entertaining.

Black-faced Spoonbill, クロツラヘラサギ, struggling to keep their balance while fighting for a dry possy on this lonesome island of steel pipes. 

Dunlin, ハマシギ

Don't they look happy in their breeding plumes?

Noticed a single Bar-tailed Godwit, オオソリハシシギ. But actually there were 2

Go go Dunlins!

Finally some rest...

Saga, at the northern tip of the Ariake Sea 1

14th of March was spring tide, a good time to catch up on migrating shorebirds.

Saunder’s Gull, ズグロカモメ 

About 350 of these vulnerable birds were counted.

I was surprised to see so many, about 50% with black heads. 

Kentish Plover, シロチドリ

Red-necked Stint, トウネン,still just a few.

Kentish Plover, シロチドリ and Red-necked Stint, トウネン sinking in the mud

Eurasian Oystercatcher, ミヤコドリ