Tsushima 5, Swallows and some more

During our day in the north we found a place where Red-rumped Swallows were nesting. Their nests unmistakably glued to the overhang of a roof. Several birds flew on and off, carrying mud to repair the nests, chattering all the time.

Red-rumped Swallow, コシアカツバメ

The bird on the left doesn't seem to be involved. He or she clings to the wall, watching the others come and go. Would it be too young to breed?

While waiting for other exciting wings, I watched the Barn Swallows, ツバメ - going about their routine as well.

A Grey-faced Buzzard, サシバ flew over several times. What is he looking for?

A lonesome Black-winged Stilt, セイタカシギ with a sad expression on its face. Looking for company?

Tsushima 4, Pratincole and some more

 One day we drove to Sago in the north. There were some Pratincoles and the regular Herons and Egrets. At midday about 30 raptors passed by, they all appeared to be Honey Buzzards.

Oriental Pratincole, ツバメチドリ

Cattle Egret, アマサギ were flying from field to field in flocks of 10 or more

In the bay of Azamo Grey Tattlers, キアシシギ were resting on a rock. Among them were 2 Terek Sandpipers, ソリハシシギ

Many Black-tailed Gulls, ウミネコ were bathing in the quiet waters of the bay. I was wondering: Are they breeding here?

I was not the only one watching the Gulls - Common Kingfisher, カワセミ

Black Reef Egret, クロサギ playing hide and seek among the seaweed? nets in Azamo

Honey Buzzards, ハチクマ

Tsushima 3: Chamashiko, Pond Herons and Drongos

The one bird that got everyone's attention. Not particularly colorful or spectacular, female Common Rosefinch,アカマシコ or チャマシコ. I loved her soft, sweet face and the way she was determined to eat alllll those fruits of the Japanese Zelkova, ケヤキ tree. (I think it took her 3 days😉)

female Common Rosefinch,アカマシコ

A must during Golden Week: capturing a Chinese Pond Heron, アカガシラサギ

The Drongo's were seen at several locations in the south. Sometimes 3 at the time. But I was just lucky with one bird, twice. Black Drongo, オウチュウ

Tsushima 2, Buntings

The next most common birds in and around the fields of Naiin were the Buntings, Emberiza. They eat mainly seeds and all have conical-shaped bills. I love this season, when so many uncommon Buntings visit Japan

Siberian Black-faced Bunting, シベリアアオジ male

female

Little Bunting,コホオアカ

Yellow-breasted Bunting, シマアオジ

Yellow-browed Bunting,キマユホオジロ

Yellow Bunting,ノジコ The only one I saw