Tsushima 2, Buntings

The next most common birds in and around the fields of Naiin were the Buntings, Emberiza. They eat mainly seeds and all have conical-shaped bills. I love this season, when so many uncommon Buntings visit Japan

Siberian Black-faced Bunting, シベリアアオジ male

female

Little Bunting,コホオアカ

Yellow-breasted Bunting, シマアオジ

Yellow-browed Bunting,キマユホオジロ

Yellow Bunting,ノジコ The only one I saw

Migrating Buntings: Japanese Yellow Bunting, ノジコ

 Last of the visiting buntings. I nearly missed it, could not find it on the first day. The 2nd day I spotted it suddenly. 

Not a bunting, but seen in the same area, Red-throated Pipit, ムネアカタヒバリ

Who is this? Chestnut Bunting, シマノジコ? 

Emberiza 5: Japanese Yellow Bunting, ノジコ

Veteran birders often tell me that this used to be a common bird in Fukuoka. In the last 10 years I have seen it there twice. This was a real treat, seeing them at several fields, in the park even!

Japanese Yellow Bunting, ノジコ  (Emberiza sulphurata)

Arisaema spec.マムシクサ (Arum family)

They are sometimes called Cobra Lilies. I can see why.

Japanese Five-lined Skink, ニホントカゲ 

Japanese Yellow Bunting, ノジコ

Only once before I saw this bird. It was in Imazu. Now I saw a few, in an area nearby. What a surprise. One bird perched in a small tree, while 2 others moved around. There could have been more, I could here them, but light was fading and dinner was waiting. The wind was from the south and quite strong. I went back the following morning, but there were none left.

Japanese Yellow Bunting, ノジコ

Last week during a short visit to the Imazu area. It was a quiet day. Very few birds around. But there's got to be something! I thought. And then a Japanese Yellow Bunting, ノジコ stopped by. A lifer! Probably not so uncommon in other parts of the country, but a first for me here in Fukuoka.

I heard the calls of Daurian Redstarts, ジョウビタキ and found some birds, all female. Where are the males?

When all turned quiet again I looked up and saw the Eurasian Kestrel, チョウゲンボウ on patrol.