Tsushima 6, Last birds

The resident birds of Tsushima have slightly different markings. The Pygmy Woodpeckers look darker. They have more black in their wings. While watching them, I could see that clearly, but in the photos, it is not so obvious.

Tsushima's Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker, ツシマコゲラ

It's a boy!

The Tsushima Long-tailed Tits, チョウセンエナガ have dark eyebrows.

The Minivets all seemed to be Ryukyu, リュウキュウサンショウクイ

Many warblers were singing, but the trees are too high. I tried to capture them, but failed.

I cannot id it, just saying it's a Warbler, ムシクイ

Asian Brown Flycatcher, コサメビタキ

On the way back to Hakata. Below the coast of Iki Island

Streaked Shearwaters, オオミズナギドリ were flying near Iki

Streaked Shearwaters, オオミズナギドリ

5 Hours at sea, looking for Storm Petrels, we encountered Shearwaters, Shearwaters and more Shearwaters. And 2 swallowsm probably Barnswallows. However, we were in for a little surprise at the end!

Streaked Shearwater, オオミズナギドリ

To be continued

Oro Island, 小呂島

 The ferry gets cancelled so often, it is almost impossible to make a plan. I went twice this month. My second time was cut short by 2 days. On May 8 the weather was very pleasant. some shearwaters crossed our path and stayed around the boat for a while. 

Streaked Shearwater, オオミズナギドリ

On the island I had no time to spare. when this bird appeared on the side of the road I quickly took aim, not realizing what it was until I got to the pc

Black-faced Bunting, シベリアアオジ

May 20th was calm. The Shearwaters flew by again, but didn't stay. I strained my eyes looking for smaller birds

YES! About 80m away. Too far! But somehow I can see they are Japanese Murrelet, カンムリウミスズメ

Oro cats, well looked after. One of them came to sit with me on the porch after dinner.

On the way to school: No birds this time. Japanese Grass Lizard, ニホンカナヘビ

Metalmark Moth, ハマキモドキガ科 · 

The next day I was told to hurry back. The weather deteriorated and I would not have another chance until 4 days later. Oops! I ran to the harbor and was hit by a wall of fog. No ferry!

Fortunately the fog cleared when the rain started. We left for Meinohama mid-morning.

Streaked Shearwater, オオミズナギドリ again - in bad weather

At sea

On the way to Oro again. I didn't expect to see Boobies yet. But 4 or 5 were flying near the Bay.

Brown Booby, カツオドリ

Suddenly a big flock rose from behind Genkaishima. At least 200 birds, as I could see. Part of the flock was obscured by rocks, so there were probably more.

I had never seen such a big flock of Boobies before

The usual Streaked Shearwaters, オオミズナギドリ were there, but this photo was taken from Shikanoshima, on an earlier day

On the way to Oronoshima

The weather was so unstable, the forecast unreliable, we were not allowed to take the ferry to Oronoshima on several occasions. Just in case we would not be able to go back. Although the returning ferry docked at the usual time in port... those are the rules. On Thursday June 27th our luck was with us. There was very little wind and despite the rain I got a pretty good view. The captain does not allow us outside, so shots are taken through the window. I really hoped to see some Murrelets, but they were very much absent...

Streaked Shearwater, オオミズナギドリ

No Porpoises this time. Hopefully on the next trip

Island life

May has come. I had been looking forward to this day for a long time, for I was finally able to go to O island during migration. I got on the ferry with my little suitcase and a little over an hour later I was there. The first on the island day was very dark, windy and wet. During the little time I had before and after work, I went out and checked the fields. Birding was very slow in these conditions. I could hear, but I could not see. Was that an Indian Cuckoo, セグロカッコウ calling nearby? I could not see it. Raptors were flying by. I think Falcons... The birds I could see were mostly Pipits. Lots of warblers were moving around the treetops, calling Hi Hi Hi. I could not hear any familiar sounds. My camera wasn't much help. I took very few photos, here they come:

Streaked Shearwater, オオミズナギドリ seen from the ferry on the first day

Around the harbor and on the way to work I saw many Pipits

I think they are all Buff-bellied Pipits, タヒバリ but please correct me if I'm wrong

A Narcissus Flycatcher, キビタキ crossed my path

Very shy and hard to detect: Little Bunting, コホオアカ about 4 or 5

On the 2nd day the cloud cover cleared and visibility improved. A big flock of waders moved slowly toward Hakata Bay 

Lots of Streaked Shearwaters, オオミズナギドリ were there as well.

On the way back at the entrance a few Porpoises popped up in front of the bow of the boat. The captain must have seen them pretty close. Egrets were flying by.

Last a photo of a White-cheeked Starling, ムクドリ. I learned they were not usually seen on islands. I wonder if it is living here