Birdwatching on Yonaguni
I had a one-night, two-day work trip to Yonaguni Island and managed a little birdwatching on the side. Near the airport I found a Merlin, a species rarely recorded in the Yaeyamas and on Okinawa Island. An Upland Buzzard that has been present since last year was also nearby.
Spring passerines included Amur Stonechat, and a Garganey was among the ducks. I came across thrushes perched several to a branch on several occasions, as if gathering themselves for migration.
Confirmed a Merlin — a scarce species in the Southwestern Islands.
Distant Siberian Stonechat, but in the small-bird world spring still seems a long way off.
Around six Garganey on the reservoir, moving around together with wintering Mallards, Eurasian Wigeons, and Northern Shovelers.
Several Dusky Thrushes perched in scrub along the coast.
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