High mountains 2

The morning was cold, but even here it warmed up to about 16 °C midday. The summer visitors had not arrived yet, but pairs of nesting resident birds supplied enough entertainment.

Eurasian Nuthatch, ゴジュウカラ

Coal Tit, ヒガラ

While the resident Tits moved about in pairs, Thrushes and Bramblings made flocks of 10-20 birds. 

Brambling, アトリ

Once on the ground, they blended in with the leaves. How many birds are there?

Japanese Andromeda, アセビ in full bloom. 

I love the shape of the flowers. Like turned-up vases. I heard they are poisonous. Would deer not eat them?

To be continued

High mountains 1

It was the first day of April. In the lowlands, the weather was warm and green fields were dotted with yellow and purple flowers. Groves of Cherry blossom trees stood out on the slopes. It looked all so pretty. However, I headed for the mountains, where the fields were still brown and grey or vague green due to a layer of frost. I realized I wasn't finished with winter yet. 

Frost-layered Purple Dead-nettle

A Eurasian Skylark, ヒバリ, sticking its head out, sniffing the cold air.

Many Thrushes, mostly Dusky, had gathered. They were moving in small flocks, eating as much as possible, preparing to migrate to the north.

Mr. Dusky Thrush, ツグミ, is about to move on.

See you next year 💗

The sun rose and warmed the air. A Japanese Green Pheasant, キジ appeared at the same location as the year before, and before, and before...

In the woods, many woodpeckers were active, but stayed high up in the tall trees. I waited a long time for one to come down, White-backed Woodpecker, オオアカゲラ

The noisiest birds around the streams, Eurasian Wren, ミソサザイ

All that energy. I got tired just from watching it.

To be continued

Low mountains encounters

A dash from the bush and there was a lady Copper Pheasant, hurrying towards the thickets on other side of the path. Is there a male waiting for her?

Copper Pheasant, ヤマドリ

ショウジョウバカマ · Oriental Swamp Pink

ミツマタ · Oriental Paperbush

アオモジ · Mountain Pepper

Early spring, for just 10 days, we have the chance to see this rare butterfly. I was lucky to locate 4 Mountain Skipper, ミヤマセセリ

ルリタテハ · Blue Admiral

A noisy chattering came from the treetops

Eurasian Siskins, マヒワ　

One bravely ventured down

I can't wait to see some colorful flycatchers...

Little bits from the west

During the walk, while gazing over the fields, skimming the trees, looking for anything that flies, a female Pheasant suddenly came running right beside us and continued to stride towards the woods in a cool and calculated manner.

Female Japanese Green Pheasant, キジ

A Hawfinch, シメ perched on top of the highest trees - again

The flowerbuds were all there, but didn't open up until the next day.

アマナ Amana edulis

There is a Shrike that loves to perch on the Scarecrow

Bull-headed Shrike, モズ

...and loves his girl

Butterflies appeared later in the day, warmed by the sun. 

Holly Blue, ルリシジミ

Peacock Pansy, タテハモドキ

Old World Swallowtail, キアゲ ハ

Asian Swallowtail, ナミアゲハ

At last, the first Tree frog of the season.　Japanese Tree Frog, ニホンアマガエル

The Golden Hour

At the end of the day, when the sun was setting, an orange glow hung over the fields. The Stilts lost their contrast in black and white and turned a soft golden beige. Their legs bright, nearly orange.

Black-winged Stilts, セイタカシギ

At the far corner a Spotted Redshank, ツルシギ appeared 

A Little Ringed Plover, コチドリ came up close.

The quiet and peaceful beauty made up for the lack of spring green