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!

Isahaya some more

A whole day in Isahaya is such a treat! There wasn't that much to see yet, but even the few birds that I met made the drive worth while

Some Marsh Harriers were hunting in the morning　チュウヒ

Female Hen Harrier, ハイイロチュウヒ I think

Stonechats were all over the place ノビタキ

Ms. Kestrel, チョウゲンボウ as expected

taking her prey to a place to eat

One of several Buff-bellied Pipits, タヒバリ

And 1 Red-throated Pipit, ムネアカタヒバリ ?

Oriental Greenfinches, カワラヒワ

Sparrowhawk, ハイタカ

Far away a tern of some sort. アジサシ

Though I could hear them calling I only saw this 1 bird, which I believe is a Northern Lapwing, タゲリ

Pipits: Richard's Pipit, マミジロタヒバリ; Red-throated Pipit, ムネアカタヒバリ; Olive-backed Pipit, ビンズイ

  Popping in and out of the dense growth, both Richard's and Red-throated took some time. I heard their call and waited. Once my presence was established and accepted they came out real close

Richard's Pipit, マミジロタヒバリ

Something was moving in the tall grass: Red-throated Pipit, ムネアカタヒバリ

There were 3 or 4 birds, moving together from bush to bush

What are these orange flowers? Kind of Chickweed? are they wild flowers?

There was a flock of Olive-backed Pipits, ビンズイ in the park, but time was up. Hence just 1 photo

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?