Juvenile Black Stork arrives (video)
A Black Stork has arrived on Ishigaki. One came in last year too, and they turn up occasionally before that, but they are always quite wary and surprisingly difficult to photograph. This individual, however, could be observed fairly close-up and at leisure — for a Black Stork, anyway.
The Tufted Duck is my first of the season. A juvenile had already been confirmed last month, but this was my first sighting. On the coast there were Grey Plovers, Siberian Sand Plovers, Kentish Plovers, Red-necked Stints, and Sanderlings. Two Caspian Terns were flying distantly. I expect Caspian Tern numbers will increase a little more toward year's end.
Black Stork, juvenile. My wife saw one last year but I missed it. This individual was not especially wary for a Black Stork, and we were able to photograph and observe it at close range.
It was startled into flight by a farm vehicle, but it was at close range. Birds of this size cover a lot of ground in a single flight. Last year's Black Stork was also moving back and forth between Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island.
It relaxed and showed us some preening as well.
Tufted Duck, male. Molting from eclipse into breeding plumage.
Grey Plover, winter plumage.
Sanderling, winter plumage. They are less common on Ishigaki Island than on the Okinawa mainland.
Red-necked Stint in winter plumage. A few birds were on the shore.
Kentish Plover, male in winter plumage.