Greater Crested Terns swallow small fish on the wing, but this Monocle Bream was too large, so the bird carried it to the water's edge. Looking closely, I could see it tearing off the obstructive dorsal and pectoral fins with its bill.

Once the troublesome fins were off, it set about swallowing the fish — which still looked like quite an ordeal.

It took a while, but the bird finally managed to get it down.

Common Gull, adult winter plumage. Common Gulls turn up on Ishigaki Island only about once every ten years, so this was a happy find.

Sanderling and Kentish Plover, hunkered down in a hollow to escape the strong wind.

Red-necked Stint, first-winter plumage. There were about three of them.

Long-toed Stint, first-winter plumage. There are fewer overwintering birds this year.

Little Ringed Plover, first-winter plumage.