Autumn 2 - Red-breasted Flycatcher, ニシオジロビタキ

I went to the city park, just to see what was there and if any birds would pose for me in any of the golden colored trees of autumn. And there was the flycatcher, arguing with a Redstart. It stood its ground well and joined other birds in search of food. It was amicable as well, letting us take lots of photos. 

The ultimate "koyo" experience

It's hard to choose from the many photos I took in just an hour or so. 

The other birds around have their own blog post

Autumn in the park, part 1

The warm autumn weather made it impossible to stay indoors. I postponed my PC jobs for the umptieth time, knowing I'd have to make up for it one day. But I didn't regret it. This post is about a visit to the big park downtown.

In the pond: Black-necked Grebe, ハジロカイツブリ

Its red eyes are jumping at me

The maple trees were sparkling with gold and orange autumn colors. Any bird that came to perch here would be welcome. Like the Japanese Great Tit, シジュウカラ

A lovely surprise: Goldcrests, キｋウイタダキ

Briefly a small flock of Long-tailed Finches, エナガ

And on top of all that: Red-breasted Flycatcher, ニシオジロビタキ

More birds in the lotusfields of Saga

When I found the swans (see previous post) I mentioned the Spoonbills, that were there as well. I hardly paid attention, being so used to seeing them here in Fukuoka. Then I remembered Mr. Brazil's words: They are one of the rarest birds on the globe. Why do we ignore them? So, I trained my bino's on the birds at the back. 

Black-faced Spoonbill, クロツラヘラサギ - one with ringed legs - and Eurasian Spoonbills, ヘラサギ

The time was around 5pm, nearly sunset. A flock of Stilts landed in a nearby field. There were at least 15 birds. Will they all stay this winter?

Black-winged Stilt, セイタカシギ

The golden hour

Apart from another flock, Lapwings they were, I saw about 40 sleepy Dunlins huddled together.

Dunlin, ハマシギ

5pm - a good time to be here.

Swans in Saga

On the way back from a "non-birding / non-hiking weekend" Jaap suggested to stop at this place near the Ariake Sea. How can I say no? And look who was there!

Whooper Swan, オオハクチョウ and Tundra Swan, コハクチョウ?

I have my doubts about the one on the left.

↓ Tundra, コハクチョウ on the left, Whooper, or Tundra コハクチョウ or オオハクチョウ on the right ↓ 

In a water-logged Renkon field, with Spoonbills and some more

End of the day, time to snooze

Brown Booby, カツオドリ

November 26, the Brown Boobies came! I had seen them behind Genkaishima from the ferry to Oro during calm days. When the wind picked up, they entered Hakata Bay. The monding of Muromi River is a popular spot where they can find food. They flew in front of the entrance, diving occasionally.

Brown Booby, カツオドリ

The plunge dive

Can you see the fish?

The winds are stronger and the temperatures have dropped. Winter weather is on the way!

Goldeneyes, ホオジロガモ

I went to see the pretty Goldeneye ducks in the river near my home. There were 5 males and 2 females scattered over the middle of the estuary. I waited and tried to get close. On my bicycle it was easy to move around, but it was hard work! The weather was fair, with intermittent cloud cover.

 Goldeneye, ホオジロガモ

Display?

Just when I found the right spot, a raptor came close and all ducks took to flight.

I found them again on the opposite side, close to the Greater Scaups, スズガモ

2 females were way back, hardly ever coming close to the shore

A little later with a little sunshine

And a little green on the head