Red-billed Starlings, ギンムクドリ

The day I went to the park to see the Grosbeaks the Red-billed Starlings also made an appearance. There was a flock of about 10 birds. Just one seemed to be thirsty.

A female who had been watching from above

Ikaru, Ko-ikaru. Grosbeaks in the park.

We have lots of Japanese Grosbeaks here in Kyushu. During the summer, they stay at the top of the trees, mostly in the cool mountain areas. In winter, they come down to the city parks and descend from the trees to find food and water. Watching them at a waterbassin is a lot of fun, especially when a different colored bird joins the crowd. The Chinese Grosbeak. Many keen photographers with huge lenses gather and wait for that moment. 

Yeah, there he is!

Black head, orange flanks, slightly smaller posture and a different song. When I listen to a recording it seems clear, but out in the field I can't catch it 😝

After a few seconds it flew up in the trees.

Hope to see more next time.

The following day. I returned early. Too early for the gates - I didn't know. Sorry

Koikaru stopped for just a second. Why the hurry? 

Up in the trees again...

The others are having a party

December left-overs from Fukuoka.

Contrary to the birding fields in the rest of Kyushu, Fukuoka gets few Pipits and Buntings. So, when I see some, I stop to watch. 

Buff-bellied Pipit, タヒバリ

And sometimes I watch Wagtails as well.

White Wagtail, ハクセキレイ

In Kanatake, during the walk, the caterpillars of the Japanese Siren butterfly, ゴマダラチョウ, were seen on the Chinese Celtis tree, エノキ, where they would fall to the ground and wait out the cold winter.

A different colored hopper. Red from the cold?

Who's nest was this?

Aridoshi, アリドオシ with lots of berries

On the way back, a flock of Northern Lapwings, タゲリ crossed my path

Saga, end of December

 The jobs are done, I can take a break. Before our yearly wintertrip we dropped by in Saga.

In the park at Higashiyoka: Red-breasted Flycatcher, ニシオジロビタキ

Common Starling, ホシムクドリ in a flock of White-cheeked

Eurasian Sparrowhawk, ハイタカ mobbing a Crow. 

Among the Rooks, a number of Daurian Jackdaws, コクマルガラス. All dark colored.

On this warm, sunny December day it was barely a surprise to see this pretty butterfly.

Japanese Oakblue, ムラサキシジミ

Happy New Year

 To all of you who visit this blog: I hope you had a delightful Christmas and a festive End-of the Year. May 2026 bring you happiness, love and good health. Warm thoughts from a cooling boat cabin on a windy day. Snow is on the way!

Isahaya December 2025

When I saw all those images of Short-eared Owls on SM, I thought I'd go and take a chance. It was surprisingly easy. Though I could never compete with the big-lens toting photographers, I was still happy with my results.

Short-eared Owl, コミミズク

What I was not happy about is my chances with the male Hen Harrier. I was just at the wrong place at the wrong time. This is all I got:

Male Hen Harrier, ハイイロチュウヒ

Female Hen Harrier, ハイイロチュウヒ

Eastern Buzzard, ノスリ

Female Common Kestrel, チョウゲンボウ

There were many Cranes, ツル flying in big V-s across the reclamation areas.

And at the end of the day the ducks, making loud noises with their wings, like a strong wind suddenly rushing in. They seemed to be Baikal Teals, トモエガモ

Animals included 5 Wild Pigs, 1 Weasel and this Raccoon dog, タヌキ