A daily journal.
Mainly introducing wild birds of Ishigaki Island, Okinawa, through photos.

Paddy-field waders, Cinnamon Bittern, Eastern Yellow Wagtail, White-breasted Waterhen

The rice fields are lively with migrants, though the spring shorebird passage feels like it may be winding down. In good weather, birds seem to be turning over every two or three days.

Pin-tailed Snipe, Swinhoe's Snipe, Little Stint, and Broad-billed Sandpiper — all popular birds — are still present.

Pin-tailed Snipe

A Pin-tailed Snipe foraging along a paddy bund, mixed in with several Swinhoe's Snipe.

Pin-tailed Snipe

Same individual as above. Startled by a crow.

Swinhoe's Snipe

Several Swinhoe's Snipe confirmed. Individuals appear to be changing over.

Swinhoe's Snipe

A Swinhoe's Snipe seen at relatively close range.

Pin-tailed Snipe

It was distant and wouldn't show itself any better than this, but still clearly identifiable as a Pin-tailed Snipe.

Pin-tailed Snipe

This individual, too, wouldn't show any more of itself….

Pin-tailed Snipe

A Pin-tailed Snipe that has been present for the past few days.

Broad-billed Sandpiper

There were three Broad-billed Sandpipers. Much of the winter plumage still remains.

Little Stint

The Little Stint was still present.

Long-toed Stint

A Long-toed Stint moving into breeding plumage.

Temminck's Stint

A Temminck's Stint that has partially moulted into breeding plumage.

Temminck's Stint

A Temminck's Stint with an injured left foot.

Black-winged Stilt

A male Black-winged Stilt in breeding plumage. The flock seems to be turning over day by day.

Yellow Bittern

A male Ryukyu Yellow Bittern in breeding plumage. Active now that the breeding season has begun.

White-breasted Waterhen

While watching snipe, White-breasted Waterhens and Common Moorhens keep flushing them aggressively. ^^;

Eastern Yellow Wagtail

A (Yellow-browed) Eastern Yellow Wagtail in breeding plumage. Numbers are dropping as they continue moving north.

Categories: 野鳥