We made a family trip to Iriomote Island for one night and two days to take part in a University of the Ryukyus public lecture on making insect specimens.

At this time of year the fruits of the Macaranga tree ripen and fall, drawing Common Emerald Doves to the roadsides. Numbers are especially high on Iriomote — a short drive along the prefectural road is enough to turn up about ten birds. There were also Crested Serpent Eagles perched on utility poles, and I heard plenty of Black Paradise Flycatchers and Ryukyu Flycatchers calling.

After dark we drove around looking for Iriomote Cats. The kids were thrilled by the Coconut Crabs, Sakishima Green Snakes, Sakishima Rat Snakes, Sakishima Striped Snakes, and Ryukyu Wild Boar we came across. We did eventually spot an Iriomote Cat — but by then it was already 11 p.m. and the children had fallen asleep in the back seat...