Winter in the west 3

In the weekends cars are lined up in front of the reed beds where the Bittern hangs out. At least it did for a while. I certainly saw it flying here, but the waiting bird photographers didn't get what they wanted. It wasn't till most had left that a Peregrine Falcon flew by and flushed it out. Still, I didn't immediately understand what exactly had happened, my eyes could only follow one pair of wings. It was discovered, but not where everybody was looking...

Wow, too close! I have no room to withdraw. Staring at the intricate pattern of feathers I almost forgot how to take photos.

Great or Eurasian Bittern, サンカノゴイ

details of its intricate feather pattern

The Peregrine Falcon, ハヤブサ that nearly caught our precious Bittern

American Wigeon, アメリカヒドリ

During most of the winter the duck could be seen in the river. Sometimes in one of the ponds, often far away. Like this dark, grey day. Not good for photography, but I took some shots anyway, mostly because the drake showed some display-type behaviour. I wondered, is one of the females an American? Then they flew. And I got to see the big white wing panels. Happy!

American Wigeon, アメリカヒドリ

Fox, キツネ

Serendipity. Looking for one thing, finding something else... better?... maybe. I was pleasantly surprised. The fox was, too it seemed. He (or she) was not in a hurry to move on. Curiosity? I have no idea about their species, I only know one word:

Fox, キツネ

At the same location, Eastern Buzzard, ノスリ

Winter in the west 2

Spring is in the air! It was still very cold, this day in Imazu. But there was one (nearly) black head in the flock.

Common Reed Bunting, オオジュリン

Watch out! Eurasian Sparrowhawk, ハイタカ

Falcated Ducks, ヨシガモ

Falcated means curved, like a sickle. The hind feathers of these ducks grow and curve when their breeding season approaches

The Spoonbills are growing their crestfeathers, looking like scumbags from the 1960s

Black-faced Spoonbills, クロツラヘラサギ

Winter in the west 1

February became extremely cold and I caught one cold after the other. Consequently I didn't visit all the places on my wish list and mostly hung around in the west when my condition allowed it. I had plenty of chances to see the 2 wintering thrushes, though not often together.

Naumann's Thrush, ハチジョウツグミ

Brown-cheeked Rail, クイナ often appeared, moving nervously between the reedbeds while quickly picking at some edibles

The Ruddy-breasted Crake, ヒクイナ, even more nervous and shy, hardly ever shows up, except to chase the Rall, クイナ

These 2 species don't get along with each other very well. The Crake, ヒクイナ fiercely defends its territory, though it tolerates the Moorhens, バン

A regular sight, not only in the waterlogged fields is the Common Snipe, タシギ

Doesn't pay much attention to the squabbles around him.

Northern Lapwing, タゲリ with pretty colors when the sun shines, but where has that sunlight gone?

3 Dunlins on an expedition. ハマシギ

Isahaya in February 3

Starting with a picture of the scenery on an early morning, showing the soft colors of winter and Harriers perched in the trees. There were 4 females and one male

 Hen Harriers, ハイイロチュウヒ  ♀ ♂ 

♀ 

A Brown-eared Bulbul, ヒヨドリ eating berries with real natural frosting. Were they frozen? Was it tasty?

More female Hen Harriers, ハイイロチュウヒ ♀  during the day

Whooper Swans, オオハクチョウ disturbed by workers in the reeds

Eastern Buzzard, ノスリ on the tallest look-out

This last picture is of 6 Wild Pigs, イノシシ that we met at the end of both days. We counted 9 all together

Isahaya in February 2

The Hen Harriers must have been surprised at the lack of attention they got. Very few birders were present and the owls were more popular. 

Male Hen Harrier, ハイイロチュウヒ ♂ cruising the reedbeds, searching for food in the strong wind.

Often crossing the embankment, venturing toward the fields

Smews, ミコアイサ in the waterways.

2 males here

 2 couples there

coming close