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

Lesser Cuckoo, Northern Boobook, Little Tern, and others

I had a close-range view of Lesser Cuckoo — an adult and a young bird, foraging in a pine grove. Around six Asian Koels were in the area too, making it a spot with a notably high concentration of cuckoos.

Despite the heavy rain, the Northern Boobook's incubation seems to be going smoothly; the male was keeping a steady watch. Year by year it has become less wary, and it shows no concern when walkers pass right in front of it.

Little Terns have arrived at the planned site of the cruise-terminal building — close to 30 birds, the same location as last year. Some individuals were already incubating. Last year the nest colony was completely wiped out by a PAC-3 deployment, so I wonder whether this season will go better. Kentish Plovers were running about — several chicks at various stages, from just-hatched to those that could manage a short flight.

White-breasted Waterhen are in full breeding mode; I often come across pairs with chicks. The breeding season is long, so for a while yet I expect to encounter families at all different stages of development.

In the paddies after the rice harvest, Purple Herons, Grey Herons, Intermediate Egrets, and Little Egrets are gathering to hunt.

Lesser Cuckoo

A Common Cuckoo still in juvenile plumage. I was able to observe it at close range.

Northern Boobook

A Brown Hawk-Owl on watch. It paid no attention even as pedestrians walked past within arm's reach….

Little Tern

A Little Tern colony. I hope they have a successful season this year.

Kentish Plover

A Kentish Plover chick that had learned to fly a little.

Kentish Plover

Several chicks appeared to be hiding in the grass.

White-breasted Waterhen

A White-breasted Waterhen family bathing in a puddle on the road.

Purple Heron

A Purple Heron spreading its wings to threaten another individual. The other bird was backing away.

Purple Heron

A Purple Heron facing off against the individual above. It was puffing up its feathers and closing the distance.

Grey Heron

A Grey Heron that caught a swamp eel. Swamp eels seem to be plentiful; Crested Serpent Eagles, Purple Herons, and Intermediate Egrets were also feeding on them.

Categories: 野鳥