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

Black-winged Kite, Siberian Peregrine, juvenile Crested Serpent Eagle and more

The juvenile Black-winged Kite seems to have finally become independent recently. Black-winged Kites on Ishigaki breed multiple times a year, so the population keeps growing. The Peregrine Falcon pair that wintered here last year has returned to the same spot again this year. An Upland Buzzard is also in the same area, keeping the Eurasian Coots and herons on edge. A nearby juvenile Crested Serpent Eagle looked startled as the two Peregrines chased it around.

The two Tundra Swans are still present. Around ten Northern Lapwings — all juveniles — have arrived. The rice paddies are busy with Marsh Sandpipers, Common Greenshanks, Common Redshanks, Wood Sandpipers, Northern Shovelers and Eurasian Teals. The first Tufted Duck of the season was also confirmed.

Black-winged Kite

A Black-winged Kite juvenile with zero wariness. Given the location and timing, it may be the individual that was being fed in mid-air by a parent bird previously.

Saker Falcon

Female Peregrine Falcon. Used to be called the subspecies Siberian Peregrine, but it has been lumped into the subspecies calidus.

Crested Serpent Eagle

Juvenile Crested Serpent Eagle. It looked annoyed at being harassed by a pair of Peregrine Falcons.

Isabelline Shrike

Adult male Brown Shrike. A very beautiful individual.

Tundra Swan

Two Tundra Swans. These individuals moved over from Iriomote Island. They have been moving between the dam lake, the coast, and the rice paddies.

Northern Lapwing

A flock of Northern Lapwings arrived — about 10 birds, all juveniles.

Marsh Sandpiper

Adult winter-plumage Marsh Sandpiper.

Tufted Duck

The first Tufted Ducks of the season. They were always moving around as a pair.

Northern Shoveler

Male Northern Shoveler. Possibly the most numerous duck on Ishigaki Island.

Categories: 野鳥