Butterfly dragonfly, チョウトンボ

There are many butterflies and dragonflies in Japan. This one is a favorite among insect fans and photographers. I worked hard to get these images 4 weeks ago, not knowing there'd be so many around this year...

Butterfly dragonfly, チョウトンボ  (Rhyothemis fuliginosa)

 

Crested Kingfisher, アマセミ part 1

It is not often that I get the chance to observe these birds up close. Maybe just once a year, when the chicks are leaving the nest and are not very good at hiding yet. The following photos were all taken in the early morning hours of just one day. Through a small opening in the bush I could see part of the river where the family was hanging out. Without a proper blind I had to be real careful not to expose myself. Dangling leaves blocking the view caused the greenish blurry spots.
Just as well I bought the Nikon D750 and hooked it up to my 300 mm 2.8 plus t c 1.4! Thus I had to crop a lot, but I think the results aren't too bad.

The 3 of them spent many hours diving for food but all they could manage were sticks and leaves. They didn't not recognize anything edible yet. 

One got tired and took a rest quite close to my hide-out. Lucky!!

Crested Kingfisher, アマセミ part 2

Here we are again, still taking a rest in front of her camera. She is watching me...

and my brothers...

Look what he caught! A beautiful... stick! :(

 Then, one got himself a fish. How? Did he catch it? Did a parent bring it?? I don't know, that part happened behind the big rocks around the corner.

Don't you want to share that one...?

NO!

Crested Kingfisher, アマセミ part 3

“Practice makes the master.” 
― Patrick Rothfuss, The Name of the Wind

がんばって!!!

Something is there, in the water

I got it! Can I eat it?

Throw it up high... 

And catch it.

once more... 

Should I talk to it? 

Try another one.

How do I do this?

Still cannot eat it...

In the far corner another young bird was having a go at a piece of rope

And took it up in the tree. 

Life is tough. Some birds don't make it. Some die from hunger and some drown. Let's hope for the best for these 3!

May in Imazu

It has started to warm up quite a bit. This feels like summer! Which birds venture out in the sun?

Cattle Egret, アマサギ

Amur White Wagtail (M. a. leucopsys), ホオジロハクセキレイ

Great Reed Warbler, オオヨシキリ

Little Ringed Plover, コチドリ

Common Moorhen, バン

Osprey, ミサゴ

And at the end of the afternoon: Whiskered Tern, クロハラアジサシ