Welcome to the harbor, Striated Heron, ササゴイ

Every year in August 1 or 2 birds come to stay in our harbor for a day. Usually young birds, bold and fearless. This year our neighbor was the chosen one. (He got the poop!) Fine with me, his white shiny yacht makes for a better background 😉

This one must have been the first bird ever to catch a frog in our filthy salt-water basin. Heavy rains brought all sorts of river-stuff down. The ducks had a party as well

Recent birds

When I stopped by the river, I hoped to see the Striated Herons. At the usual place Grey Herons, Great Egrets, Little Egrets and Cormorants were baking in the heat. At 7am it was already close to 30C. 

When I walked around, I found my target birds, Striated Heron, ササゴイ

There were 2 birds. A pair?

At the fields in the west my first encounter was a Ruddy-breasted Crake, ヒクイナ -  as usual

Some Spot-billed Ducks, カルガモ in the 2 lakes had a visitor: a young Black-tailed Gull, ウミネコ 幼鳥

There were few small birds, a raptor must be around. I expected a falcon, but instead an Osprey, ミサゴ was at that place. A family of obnoxious Magpies, カササギ checked him out.

He dares!

Sun sun sunflowers, looking brightly up to the sky. 

I want to go see you, but Fukuoka's summer is so hotttt

Herons, Egrets and a Starling

Last post of my Golden Week collection. It was a real pleasure!

Looking like an old man patroling the edge of the field: Chinese Pond Heron, アカガシラサギ

I heard it calling when a Black Kite came too close and found it hidden in the thickest part of a tree:

Striated Heron, ササゴイ

5 Of them kept us company from May 1st to 4th. Good luck Cattle Egret, アマサギ

Last a small Starling, Chestnut-cheeked Starling, コムクドリ

Just one bird and it stayed up high

A small colony of Striated Heron, ササゴイ

When I received a message I could not imagine this. So many birds' nests near a shopping center? I went to see it the very next day. And yes, it was true! I'm not always a big fan of nest photography when there is no proper distance possible, but in this case, right next to that big shopping mall, with a constant stream of people walking by, I didn't think I was that much of an intruder. Staying out of the shopper's way was a bigger concern. 😀

There were 5 nests and chicks seemed to be just anywhere in the few trees that lined the road.

Why did the birds decide to nest here? Is a crowded place like this safer then a park or forest?

Striated Heron, ササゴイ

The herons come to build nests every year around the city, often in residential areas. Because it's safe? Here at Muromi river one had an interesting encounter.

What happened next?

Nothing much. The heron flew away and the snake continued towards the shore 😆😆😆

Also at the river, some bright red legs!