Last birds of 2022
At year-end, having coughed up blood to get all my copy filed before the end of the year, I squeezed in a short final birdwatch for 2022.
Entering December, Dusky Thrushes, Brown-headed Thrushes, and Pale Thrushes had increased sharply. Most of the Dusky Thrushes were Naumann's Thrushes, and the variation in plumage tones makes comparing them a pleasure in itself. Brown-headed and Pale Thrushes have also relaxed since shortly after arrival and are easier to observe.
Manchurian Bush Warblers and Dusky Warblers were calling from patches of scrub here and there, though slightly fewer than last year.
Daurian Redstart, Amur Stonechat, Red-throated Pipit, and Eastern Yellow Wagtail are also wintering.
In addition to the three Ruddy Shelduck already present, four Common Shelduck also arrived. Tundra Swans, Common Cranes, and Eurasian Spoonbills continue to stay on.
Among the ducks, Northern Shoveler were the most numerous, followed by Eurasian Wigeon, Eurasian Teal, and Tufted Duck. Ferruginous Duck has not been confirmed this season.
Large numbers of Common Snipe are wintering; among roughly 200 counted across multiple paddies, there was one Swinhoe's Snipe.
Crested Serpent Eagles — both immatures and adults — have become easier to see. Road casualties will increase from here on, so care is needed when driving on Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island.
The most vividly coloured Naumann's Thrush of the day. An adult.
Naumann's Thrush, first-winter plumage.
This one has quite a smoky tone.
Pale Thrush, first-winter plumage.
Pale Thrush, adult winter plumage.
White's Thrush, first-winter plumage.
Korean Bush Warbler. It lurks in the kind of scrubby undergrowth you find anywhere. The call note carries well, but getting a clear view is another matter.
A Radde's Warbler photographed at relatively close range.
It appears to be eating something like a scale insect. It was also preying on spiders and small insects.
Judging by these tail feathers, I wonder if first-winter plumage is the right call.
A female Daurian Redstart. A small number are wintering on the island.
A female Siberian Stonechat. A small number are also wintering on the island.
Eastern Yellow Wagtail, first-winter plumage. Adults are rarely seen.
Three Red-throated Pipits. Numbers are down this season.
The Ruddy Shelduck count reached a peak of five, but three are currently wintering.
Four Common Shelducks arrived, spread across two locations.
A juvenile Crested Serpent Eagle seen reliably lately.
Adult Crested Serpent Eagle.
Adult Purple Heron.
A wintering Swinhoe's Snipe finally found after going through some 200 Common Snipe across multiple paddies. I was determined to find one before the year was out and searched single-mindedly — utterly exhausted by the end. ^^;
Common Snipe, first-winter plumage.
A flock of Common Snipe. On Ishigaki, flocks of 10 to 30 birds are wintering.
Male Greater Painted-snipe.
Multiple Eastern Marsh Harriers are wintering on the island this season, so encounters are frequent.
Two Tundra Swans also making a long stay. The individual on the right appears to have injured one leg.
Male Eurasian Wigeon, transitioning from juvenile to first-winter plumage.
Adult female Eurasian Wigeon. Non-breeding plumage.
Adult male Eurasian Wigeon, moulting from eclipse into breeding plumage.
Adult female Northern Pintail. Non-breeding plumage.
Adult female Eurasian Teal.
Male Tufted Duck. First-year?
Common Redshank, first-winter plumage.
Dunlin, first-winter plumage.
Common Greenshank, first-winter plumage.
White-faced Plovers roosting in a flock.