Hoopoe, ヤツガシラ, 2

A week after observing the first bird, I went to the same place again. This time I got some more time to take photos, together with many other birders/photographers. We all came home with the same results I think. It was a great day.

Eurasian Hoopoe, ヤツガシラ

On March 2nd,  I saw 1 bird feeding in the rain on a big lawn. It left after a few minutes - already - and was not seen again. Too short, but I was happy I could witness it.

Eurasian Hoopoe, ヤツガシラ

In a different place, a flock of Yellow-throated Buntings, ミヤマホオジロ crossed my path

Eastern Buzzard, ノスリ was calling from the top of a tree, before it flew.

And then it became quiet.

Eurasian Hoopoe, ヤツガシラ

 Funny bird. What are you doing in this small village playground among running kids with balls and bicycles? When everybody wanted to see you you flew away - but came back, just for me?

Eurasian Hoopoe, ヤツガシラ

I must have been the only birder in town who hadn't seen this guy yet. Since January this year it pays regular visits to the park, attracting many photographers from all over Kyushu. Normally we only get a chance in spring, when it migrates north and stops over for  brief rest. It reminds me of that day in December 3 years ago, when I ran into one in my own neighborhood. So it's not the first winter guest in Fukuoka and hopefully not the last.

Roaming a small sloped field where insects were hidden in the soil.

Digging deep

Small bugs...

... as well as big ones. Fat worms of some sort seemed to be most popular

Time to stretch and raise those pretty head feathers.

Do I look alright from behind?

And on top?

Very pretty indeed.

Time to move on.

Other birds in that area: Bramling, アトリ

 Dusky Thrush, ツグミStill plenty around.

A very sleepy Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker, コゲラ

Eurasian Hoopoe, ヤツガシラ

Finally a chance to watch this bird for a while. Guess what? My camera broke down halfway.
The D750 was replaced with the old D7100... Luckily I got some good shots first.

The bird seemed quite at ease. Looking for insects, he punched holes with his bill deep in the ground

So deep...

... and came up with something like a larvae

or a worm 

spiders and beetles were on the menu, too

He (or she) often checked the sky

Sometimes raised its head feathers in surprise

 Got to watch out