Ruddy Kingfishers everywhere on Ishigaki
Today I encountered nine Ruddy Kingfishers. Just driving through Banna Park I came across four of them. On Ishigaki and Iriomote, this period through the end of May is when activity is at its highest.
Some pairs had already started digging nest holes. Work had progressed far enough for the bird to fit its whole body inside.
A Ruddy Kingfisher found at Kabira. This individual didn't flush even when pedestrians walked past.
An individual at Banna Park — no wariness whatsoever, as you'd expect from a bird that breeds in the park.
Same individual as above. The bill looks heavily worn, so it may be an old bird.
The ninth individual I found that day, the last of the day. About two metres away, and completely unbothered by my presence.
Also an individual inside Banna Park. It flew off when a walker passed by.
There is a louse fly on its head. ^^;
Perched on a thin branch, foraging in the evening.
Same individual as above. It flew right up in front of me — too close to focus — so I stepped back to take the shot.
An almost completed Ruddy Kingfisher nest hole. It looked like an easy spot for observation.