When the sun was high enough to shed some light we searched for the less common cranes. At the far back were 2 Common Cranes, クロヅル, more or less at the same place as last year.
Lifting its head up for a second and stretching its wings, Common Crane, クロヅル
Closer by a Sandhill Crane, カナダヅル guiding the family to a safe corner
They didn't seem to be bothered by us much
At the field in front of the observation centre. A mix of Hooded Crane, ナベヅル and White-naped Crane, マナヅル hurrying to get their share
That was MY bit!
You stood on my toes!
After a while the mass thins out. Some birds return to their possy with their families, others just wander off.
It seemed impossible to find Aneha.
Scanning the extensive area I was just about to give up when... I found her! Demoiselle Crane, アネハヅル At the far far end.
Changing location to get a better look
With quite an accomplished feeling I started looking at other birds.
White-naped Crane, マナヅル
The most common crane in Izumi, Hooded Crane, ナベヅル considered a bit dull compared with the elegant White-naped Cranes, but look at that intricate pattern of feathers. Isn't that beautiful?
It's always such a pleasure to find beauty in common birds. White-naped Crane, マナヅル again
Below a raptor probably a female Hen Harrier, ハイイロチュウヒ, flying low, scanning the field. The cranes don't seem to care. They are too big to be considered prey of course
Common Starlings, Common Starling, ホシムクドリ basking in the early morning sun
Thousands of Rooks, ミヤマカラス taking every inch of the electricity wires
♥ Sweethearts ♥
Between them 5 smaller sized crow-type birds: Daurian Jackdaw, コクマルガラス
I was wondering about the bird on the far right. Did it have blue eyes?
Another common bird here, the Russet Sparrow, ニュウナイスズメ. I often wonder, when will they come to Fukuoka?
