More of Saga on April 18th

After the American guest at Higashiyoka on April 18, we drove to Shiroiashi to check out the lotus fields. Instantly, a long-time wish came true: A male Merlin was sitting on the wire! Last time I saw one was so long ago, I could barely remember it. 

Merlin, コチョウゲンボウ

It was close to a field with lots of Stilts. More than 20 birds. They are doing well, it seems

Black-winged Stilt, セイタカシギ

Next was the Stork family. A parent was flying around, looking for food...

Oriental Stork, コウノトリ

...and landed in a ditch near me. What a close-up!

I backed up the car and had another look.

The birds are clearly used to having people around

At the nest I could see 4 chicks! I hope they will make it to adulthood safely

Back around the old Lotus fields, where the water level was too high for small birds like Stints, but some others were there.

Marsh Sandpipers, コアオアシシギ

Wood Sandpipers, タカブシギ

Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, ウズラシギ

Common Snipe, タシギ

The new-comers were announcing their present in a loud voice, but stayed mostly hidden below. Except for one, that stayed quiet...

Great Reed Warbler, オオヨシキリ

At the far end of one of the fields were about 6 Garganeys, シマアジ

Imazu area

One day there were many, the next day none. Was it the Harrier that kept on coming back? 

Penduline Tits, ツリスガラ

female Hen Harrier, ハイイロチュウヒ

Eurasian Kestrel, チョウゲンボウ

Chestnut-eared Bunting, ホオアカ

Common Snipe, タシギ

Last waders? No, latest waders

What's this with the Stilts? Have they had a fall out? I drove around the Imazu area, and found Stilts, bout 6 or 7, all in different fields. Often accompanied by another wader, 1 or 2. I thought it was strange. Don't they usually stay together? Doesn't the presence of the others make them feel safe? Did they have a big argument on the way???

Black-winged Stilt, セイタカシギ and Marsh Sandpiper, コアオアシシギ

Just the Stilt, セイタカシギ

Marsh Sandpiper, コアオアシシギ

At other fields: Terek Sandpiper, ソリハシシギ

Red-necked Stint, トウネン

Common Snipe, タシギ

How unusual, 5 Stilts in 1 field!

Migrants in the west, part 2

It's midday now, September 3rd. I'm driving back from Itoshima to Imazu. The fields glitter in the bright sun shine. I should not take any photos anymore. But I finally meet some waders.

In just a second, before they all scutter to the back. No time to adjust camera settings.

A Dunlin, ハマシギ, Red-necked Stints,トウネン and a Common Snipe, タシギ

 2 Briefly appeared again

At the far side: 2 Terek Sandpipers, ソリハシシギ. I cannot get close to them

Coincidence 😅

At the river bank, thousands of crabs, laughing at 2 Common Greenshanks, アオアシシギ

Grey-tailed Tattler,キアシシギ

The flock of Golden Plovers returned

Pacific Golden Plover, ムナグロ

And... my first ducks of the season:

Common Teal, ホシハジロ  and Tufted Duck, キンクロハジロ  Greater Scaup, スズガモ

But actually at least one them was here the whole summer...

At last a field with 10 Black-winged Stilts,セイタカシギ. I was worried, but they are here!

2 Bar-tailed Godwits, オオソリハシシギ joined the party.

More later