Ducks, Shorebirds, Wagtails, and Terns on Autumn Migration（Oct. 18, 2025） Bird Reports List--Wild bird photography and birdwatching on Okinawa Main Island and the Yaeyama Islands (Ishigaki Island, Iriomote Island, Taketomi Island, and more)

Ducks, Shorebirds, Wagtails, and Terns on Autumn Migration

Oct. 18, 2025

Ducks have started arriving on Ishigaki-jima. Eurasian Teal and Garganey — the first of the season — are increasing. The first Tufted Duck of the season was also in a drainage ditch on farmland.

In the rice paddies, the snipe are now down to Common Snipe only. Black-winged Stilt, Common Greenshank, Marsh Sandpiper, Long-toed Stint, Wood Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, and Common Sandpiper are all still present. Eastern Yellow Wagtails are turning up here and there but numbers aren't building much. Could the heat be slowing their movement?

Whiskered Terns have been lingering along the river near my house.

Garganey

Garganey, juvenile male. Fairly approachable.

Eurasian Teal

Common Teal juvenile, associating with the Garganey.

Tufted Duck

A female Tufted Duck arrived alone. From here numbers will build steadily, with several hundred wintering on the reservoir.

Common Snipe

A Common Snipe that refused to come out from behind the grass.

Common Snipe

Common Snipe, juvenile.

Common Snipe

Also a Common Snipe juvenile. A small flock of a few birds is in the paddy fields around the island.

Green Sandpiper

Green Sandpiper in winter plumage.

Common Sandpiper

Common Sandpiper keeps a low profile and there are few chances to observe or photograph it. It doesn't form flocks, but the population is reasonably present.