Isahaya in February 1

My schedule didn't work out in a way that I could meet my friends. A bad cold fell on top of that. Too bad, hopefully another time. The few days we had were a mixture of good and bad luck. I didn't get to take photos of the Short-eared Owls until the end of the last day. Other moments were good, despite the lack of small birds. It is interesting, how one day can be so different from another.

Short-eared Owls, コミミズク

While waiting for the owls, I could see some raptors across the embankment. Mostly Hen Harriers. They will be posted later. However, I was happy to see Eastern Marsh Harriers, チュウヒ

Male? Female? I have no confidence in mentioning their gender

Sunset time. 2 Owls are flying. I watched the last rays of sunlight through their wings

Isahaya again

 After a long spell of bad weather I went to Isahaya again in February, more or less because I could not think of another place. It was sunny, but very windy. Small birds were mostly absent. Raptors flew, but not often. The lack of birders should have warned me. However, there is always something to see.

Female Hen Harrier, ハイイロチュウヒ first thing in the morning

Eastern Buzzard, ノスリ

I checked out the regular points.

Female Hen Harrier, ハイイロチュウヒ again

Eastern Marsh Harrier, チュウヒ

1 young Whooper Swan, オオハクチョウ faa-r away.

Common Starlings, ホシムクドリ

Surprise of the day. Fox, キツネ

This Buzzard perched on top of the tree had me thinking.  Could it be a Rough-legged Buzzard, ケアシノスリ ???

The clouds had rolled in and colors turned grey. These Falcated Ducks, ヨシガモ 3 males and 1 female had me entertained with their actions of display. If only the sun came through...

After that I drove back home

Isahaya in February part 1

 A visit to Isahaya results in images of raptors of various sorts and sizes. Some people spend hours waiting for the Harriers, particularly the male Hen Harrier. It is a magnificent bird that flies low over the fields, looking for prey. And when you see it, it certainly fills you with awe. On the other hand, the female frequently hunts and shows herself many times a day

Female Hen Harrier, ハイイロチュウヒ cruising the reed beds outside the dike

The male, with its strikingly white and light grey body, cornered with black wingtips．

Male Hen Harrier, ハイイロチュウヒ

Next an Eastern Marsh Harrier, チュウヒ

Followed by....another Hen Harrier

Eurasian Kestrels, チョウゲンボウ there are plenty. They don't mind people around them and sit on utility poles and wires. 

There were Buzzards and Falcons as well. It's a marvelous place for people who like birds of prey.

Isahaya last month

I'm having the day off, but the weather is bad. Time to clear out some old stuff. I went to Isahaya in November, but was a bit disappointed with the results. So, the folder was shoved to the back...

There was a Chinese Grey Shrike, オオカラモズ that showed up regularly. But not when I was around. When I finally got to see it, it was so far away

While waiting for this bird some animals came by. This weasel's tail seems longer than half the body, so it is probably a Korean Weasel, チョウセンイタチ

Raccoon dog, タヌキ

Harriers were flying, but not as many as usual

Female Hen Harrier, ハイイロチュウヒ

Male Hen Harrier, ハイイロチュウヒ

Eastern Marsh Harrier, チュウヒI think. Forgive me if I'm wrong

While looking for Pipits: Zitting Cisticola, セッカ

Common Starlings, ホシムクドリ were numerous

Northern Lapwings, タゲリ as well

Close encounter! A common Snipe, タシギ

with a ring

At the end of the day, Cranes, ツル stretching their wings

White-naped Crane, マナヅル