Red-breasted Mergansers, ウミアイサ in action

The Mergansers are getting ready to move on. They look great in breeding colors, and their behaviour is "jumpy" to put it mildly. Pairs have mostly been established, but males are active in display, impressing the ladies and defending them from others. The competition is fierce!

Male and female

meeting 2 other males

The 3 get into action

Another one coming in

Push out your breasts

Stretch your necks

Bend down, like you're nearly drowning

And chase competitors 

Most females pay hardly any attention and act like they don't know what all the fuss is about.

However, occasionally one gets upset.

Handsome male

2 Goldeneyes, ホオジロガモ flew by in the distance

March 8th, I thought they had left...

Pacific Reef Heron, クロサギ

There were 2 birds at the mouth of the creek. I got there aound noon on a sunny day and lighting conditions were not good. I want to see them again

Black-necked Grebe, ハジロカイツブリ

Japanese Wagtail, セグロセキレイ

Penduline Tits, ツリスガラ

Little fleeting noises in the reeds. First I see the Reed Buntings, then the small birds eating from the fluffy reed seeds. They are the Penduline Tits, ツリスガラ

With their size and color, they can easily disappear from view

Males and females look similar, but the males have a grey head

Common Reed Bunting, オオジュリン

Hoopoe, ヤツガシラ, 2

A week after observing the first bird, I went to the same place again. This time I got some more time to take photos, together with many other birders/photographers. We all came home with the same results I think. It was a great day.

The happiest couple in the duck pond

Late afternoon, the sun is low. The hour of golden light. 2 Falcated Ducks, ヨシガモ are on a date. Here they are:

He's getting ready

Oh, here she comes

Greetings,  あいさつ

happy to see you

together preening

more preening

and some more

Oops, prying eyes

Please, move on

mind your own feathers

Maybe the life of a duck isn't so bad 

Umemejiro

Happy time of the year. If only I would feel better... Colds continue, one after the other. Before recovering from one, the next one floors me again. First time ever I take so much medication.

 

Plum blossom, 梅

Bees are out to collect their nectar.

White-eyes, メジロ love it, too