Isahaya in February 1

My schedule didn't work out in a way that I could meet my friends. A bad cold fell on top of that. Too bad, hopefully another time. The few days we had were a mixture of good and bad luck. I didn't get to take photos of the Short-eared Owls until the end of the last day. Other moments were good, despite the lack of small birds. It is interesting, how one day can be so different from another.

Short-eared Owls, コミミズク

While waiting for the owls, I could see some raptors across the embankment. Mostly Hen Harriers. They will be posted later. However, I was happy to see Eastern Marsh Harriers, チュウヒ

Male? Female? I have no confidence in mentioning their gender

Sunset time. 2 Owls are flying. I watched the last rays of sunlight through their wings

Long-tailed Tits, エナガ

 From a previous post, once more:

Long-tailed Tits, エナガ

Illustration by Kyoko Tsukizoe, 築添 恭子 after a photo by me.

 

This looks great! I wish I could draw like that. Thank you!

Imazu in February part 2

Continued from previous post

Zitting Cisticola, セッカ

Towards the west, a big flock of Bramblings is skimming the fields. Just like some years ago.

More than 1000 birds

Imazu in February part 1

It is cold again - too cold to walk around. But Sunday was not so bad and though I arrived a bit late, I saw a lot of birds that I had not seen this winter yet.

Great or Eurasian Bittern, サンカノゴイ

Eurasian Penduline Tit, ツリスガラ

Common Reed Bunting, オオジュリン

Northern Lapwings, タゲリ

Mandarin Ducks, オシドリand some more

There is a path behind the fence. It brings you right to the edge of the water and if you're lucky the Mandarin Ducks don't notice you. However, they fly off soon... There was a male with 2 females. The male looked spectacular!

Handsome guy!

A Ryukyu Minivet, リュウキュウサンショウクイ caught a green Grasshopper, mid-winter!

It's a Kubikirigisu, クビキリギス. They can overwinter as adults. And they can bite fiercely!

Brown-eared Bulbuls, ヒヨドリ feasting in a berry tree

About 200 Rooks, ミヤマガラス gathered in the trees and in the field at the end of the afternoon

Tankiri beans, タンキリマメ

Q Fungus

White's Thrush, トラツグミ

I could see him from far away, it was hopping away on the grass. Its size and its typical posture were an easy giveaway. 

Looking for edibles on the ground

Got a worm!

A Pale Thrush stayed close by. Defending territory?

Look at the difference in size!

In the late afternoon light the colors get warmer.

and warmer

But I'm getting colder and colder - time to go home