Ruddy Kingfishers on the Increase (video)
Ruddy Kingfishers are becoming more numerous. On Ishigaki they can be seen through October.
While searching for Ruddy Kingfishers I came across some noisy Ishigaki Tits. One was carrying food, so I watched from a distance and saw it disappear into a tree hollow — evidently nesting. I confirmed breeding at two locations.
The paddies are lively too, with Chinese Pond Herons in breeding plumage and Eastern Cattle Egrets adding to the bustle.
A male Ryukyu Kingfisher. I haven't examined it closely yet, but it appears to be the same individual as last year.
Same individual as above.
Same individual as above.
An Ishigaki Tit carrying a Меcopoda (short-winged katydid) to the nest. Given the size of the prey, the chicks are probably close to fledging.
A Chinese Pond Heron showing nice nuptial coloration.
A Cattle Egret that caught a centipede. Close to a hundred are staying over during their migration.
This type of individual is really nice.