A Swan Goose on an extended stay. It had its guard down, so it just sat down and fell asleep. ^^

Five Swan Geese. I was at Ishigaki Island Sugar Mill covering the sugarcane situation this season when they flew overhead. On my way back to the office, I went to the rice fields in the direction they had flown off to — and there they were.

Temminck's Stint, first-winter plumage.

Temminck's Stint, front-on view. It was picking thin earthworms out of the mud and eating them.

Swinhoe's Snipe, which overwinters here in small numbers. Just to be sure, I checked the trailing edge of the wing and the flanks as well. ^^;

Little Ringed Plover in breeding plumage. A bird in a hurry — it switches into breeding plumage during winter and back into non-breeding plumage during summer. ^^;

Common Sandpiper, first-winter plumage. Plain-looking at first glance, but when the light hits the feathers they shine beautifully.