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

It was past the beginning of May and I didn't expect much. The overcast sky didn't help. However, when the sun broke through, little birds started to come out. They were there! In small numbers, between the Sparrows and Greenfinches.  The Prize of the day was the male Yellow-breasted Bunting, シマアオジ, who came to perch right in front of me and stayed for 3 minutes.

The female was there, too

Another hotshot, despite the fact that the handsome male was absent...

Chestnut Bunting, シマノジコ

One of my favorites: Little Bunting, コホオアカ

Yellow-browed Bunting, キマユホオジロ

From here a few late add-ons

Yokoshima end of December

We wanted to stay at our favorite hot spring/campsite in Kumamoto, which is close to the reclaimed land area called Yokoshima Kantaku. We had to leave the snow-locked mountains with a huge D-tour and arrived late afternoon. The Harriers were flying. Returning to their roost it seemed. 2 males and 2 or 3 females.

Male Hen Narrier, ハイイロチュウヒ ♂

2 females ♀

I took lots of photos but ended up discarding most of them. Their was simply not enough light.

The next morning we returned early and found many buntings in the reeds. Not a good omen for the people who want to see raptors. But I was happy.

Little Bunting, コホオアカ

 

Chestnut-eared Bunting, ホオアカ

The ripe was so cold on my feet. I felt for Lady Redstart, ジョウビタキ ♀

Rustic Bunting, カシラダカ

Mid-morning we moved to another spot, where a Kestrel, チョウゲンボウ was shaking up a field with pipits

Richard's Pipit, マミジロタヒバリ 2 of the 4 birds I saw and heard

It was a good occasion to learn their calls

Red-throated Pipit, ムネアカタヒバリ male ♂

With all the pipits around this bird had me confused. But when I looked closely at the bill I realized... Chestnut-eared Bunting, ホオアカ ♀

Thanks for your help, Mr. H!

We met up with some birders that we had met 12 years ago and it felt like yesterday.

Great to see you, K and T!

While we looked at the small birds a male Hen Harrier, ハイイロチュウヒ ♂flew by.

Our lucky day!