Last birds of the year 3

Men with shotguns are patrolling the fields. The ducks are flying

Eurasian Wigeons, ヒドリガモ on the move

Keeping an eye on the men - and on me I guess - Eurasian Kestrel, チョウゲンボウ

In the same area this Chestnut-eared Bunting, ホオアカ. I hope he takes care

Enough finches around to distract his attention, Oriental Greenfinch, カワラヒワ

Enjoy the sunshine, Meadow Bunting, ホオジロ

In the river a lonesome Shelduck, ツクシガモ looking for its mates

Everywhere, in all the fields there are the Dusky Thrushes, ツグミ

And sometimes a couple of Eurasian Spoonbills, ヘラサギ

Last birds of the year 2

In the river I saw the usual crowd of Falcated Ducks, ヨシガモ The males look great with their falcating tertials, and green head, which should be even more spectacular in spring.

Below one of the sweet-faced females 

Everybody seemed to be on their best that today
Black-faced Spoonbills, クロツラヘラサギ in a cuddling mood

There was this Northern Lapwing, タゲリ acting kind of different. Is this a form of display? Did the sunny day give him spring fever?

Somebody seemed interested...

At the usual spot, waiting for me to take her picture, the Common Kingfisher, カワセミ

In the reeds these little birds made tiny noises. Penduline Tits, ツリスガラ

Watching me watching you, Common Snipe, タシギ

Last birds of the year 1

This winter started off with cold weather, but by the end of December the days got warmer. We didn't see much rain and one of the 2 lakes in Imazu turned into a big mud pool with just a little water left in the middle. Some birds liked it. The spoonbills had a ball. But the ducks weren't too keen.

That day 2 Mergansers, カワアイサ flew in, but left soon. There sure seem to be some around this winter

One bird looked real pretty, but the other one was all scruffy with brown feathers sticking out of its neck like it was some kind of skin disease. But I guess he was just moulting, changing from eclipse or something.

Watching the Spoonbills from this close by is nice for a change.

Behind me the Reed Buntings, オオジュリン came out briefly