Chinese Sparrowhawk migration peak (video)
Chinese Sparrowhawk migration exploded for the first time in a while. A flock of nearly 300 birds formed a kettle overhead, and when the morning sun caught them glittering, cheers went up from the onlookers.
On this day, more than 900 birds were confirmed passing over the migratory bird observation post at Banna Park. Ishigaki Island has some of the best spots in Okinawa Prefecture for watching Chinese Sparrowhawk.
The day's largest kettle of Chinese Sparrowhawks — close to 300 birds.
A flock of Chinese Sparrowhawks gliding past.
A juvenile Chinese Sparrowhawk.
Another juvenile. Most of the individuals flying close by are juveniles.
An adult male Chinese Sparrowhawk.
Another adult male.
Again, the one that flew close by was a juvenile.
Most of the Chinese Sparrowhawks had moved through by around 9:30 a.m.