Stejneger's Stonechat, ノビタキ

At the usual place 4 birds were acting kind of shy. 

In perspective. Those Dragonflies seem so big and the bird so small

Greater Short-toed Lark, ヒメコウテンシ

Hard to distinguish, it prefers the far side of the bare soil field that matches the color of its feathers. Sometimes it flew to a greener patch, never for long

The back 

The wings

Later, when the sun was gone it stood out better.

Other birds around were Zitting Cisticola, セッカ

Common Stonechat, ノビタキ just a few, male and female. Below a male

And lots of Oriental Greenfinch, カワラヒワ

Common Stonechat, ノビタキ

Finally arrived.
Saw 2 males today, one in Imazu and another in Taromaru
Happy!

ノビタキを探しに行って... Looking for Stonechats.

Going out in this beautiful weather I didn't expect much but was happy with the results:

Far Eastern Curlew, ホウロクシギ

 Dunlin, ハマシギ, about 12 birds

  

1 Common Redshank, アカアシシギ

3 Common Snipes, タシギ, this one photo-bombed by a wagtail

And about 15 Common Stonechats, ノビタキ

  

Meadow Bunting, ホオジロ                           Cosmos, コスモス

Common Stonechat, ノビタキ

One day there are none, the next day they seem to be everywhere. A highlight of the season

Nearby a milk farm. No shortage of insects here!

Looking for red 2

Missing out on the Amur Falcons in Imazu was a big disappointment. I decided to travel south in further pursuit and rove to Isahaya in the Nagasaki prefecture. After getting everything packed in the car I had a short sleep and left at 3:00 am. Driving on the deserted highways with the music system full on I got there in a high and enjoyed the sunrise

My welcoming committee of white egrets.

No wind and a little chilly, perfect start of the day.

Common Snipe, タシギ

I found several of the "usual" birds at there "usual" spots...

Common Kingfisher, カワセミ

...and several Kestrels on the hunt

Eurasian Kestrel, チョウゲンボウ

One pair of near-red legs:  Black Stork, ナベコウ

And a very cooperative Stonechat, ノビタキ on the Golden Rod, セイタカアワダチソウ