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

Birdwatching on Yonaguni Island

The Minister of Defense was visiting Yonaguni Island, so off I went on another work trip. I managed a little birdwatching in between duties. ^^

Driving through the farmland, I could hear Siberian Rubythroat, Ryukyu Robin, Manchurian Bush Warbler, Japanese Bush Warbler, Arctic Warbler, and Emberiza buntings calling. The density is considerably higher than on Ishigaki Island. It was a short visit, but I enjoyed it a great deal.

Siberian Rubythroat

A Siberian Rubythroat in the morning, moving through the undergrowth while giving its call note.

Siberian Rubythroat

Siberian Rubythroats are pretty much like this. Ryukyu Robin is even harder — I could only confirm it by voice…

Korean Bush Warbler

A Korean Bush Warbler appearing in the grass.

Korean Bush Warbler

These three Korean Bush Warblers were moving along a forest edge.

Japanese Bush Warbler

A Japanese Bush Warbler found on a forest road.

Arctic Warbler

A Pale-legged Leaf Warbler also detected by its call note. I was able to get a brief look at it as well.

Yellow-throated Bunting

Yellowhammer Yellow-throated Buntings in a flock of about 10.

Black-faced Bunting

A solitary Black-faced Bunting detected by its call near the settling pond. Rustic Buntings and Little Buntings were also present, but I couldn't get a photo.

Red-throated Pipit

There were three Richard's Pipits at Higashizaki. Feels like I haven't seen them in a while.

White's Thrush

A White's Thrush on the farm track by the rice fields.

Red-flanked Bluetail

Also confirmed a few Red-flanked Bluetails.

Daurian Redstart

A fair number of Daurian Redstarts are wintering.

Pale Thrush

Pale Thrushes are wintering in considerable numbers across a variety of spots, from within the village to cemeteries, farmland, and forest roads.

Japanese Thrush

Although fewer than Pale Thrushes, Japanese Thrushes are also wintering here.

Dusky Thrush

Dusky Thrushes are concentrated in the south pasture.

Common Myna

Common Mynas are increasing in number year by year. In the evenings, Sonai is noisy with Common Mynas roosting on utility poles.

Purple Heron

Purple Herons are relatively scarce on Yonaguni Island. This time I found only one individual, a juvenile.

Common Kestrel

Common Kestrel, first-winter plumage. A completely unafraid individual.

Common Sandpiper

A Common Sandpiper on the lawn. Rice paddies have nearly disappeared on Yonaguni Island, and sandpipers and plovers are almost absent.

Pacific Golden Plover

Around 30 Pacific Golden Plovers flew in to the school lawn. They may have taken shelter from the heavy overnight rain.

Categories: 野鳥