A daily record.
Featuring photos of wild birds and nature, mainly from Okinawa Main Island and Ishigaki Island

Eurasian Hoopoe Ruddy Kingfisher Daurian starling Ryukyu scops owl Forest Wagtail

GUIDED BIRDWATCHING TOUR

Go where the birds are. The SHIMASOBA Tour launches.

We'll drive you around Ishigaki Island to wherever the birds are showing best that day. Observation is mostly from inside the vehicle, and we keep it to a maximum of 3 guests so everyone can take their time.

Max. 3 guests 4 hours in the morning Beginners welcome
Check availability and book

Northern Boobook fledges, Ruddy Kingfisher excavating nest hole, scarce Terek Sandpiper (video)

The first fledgling of the season was a Northern Boobook. Two birds successfully fledged from the same site as last year. For Northern Boobook, the timing was quite early.

I confirmed a Ruddy Kingfisher excavating a nest hole. Individual numbers are high this season, and I have found so many nests that I have lost count. All I can do is hope each one goes well.

I also recorded Terek Sandpiper on Ishigaki Island — a species that seems to be down in numbers nationwide this year. Being late is normal for this species, but the low numbers are a concern. Nearby, a single Common Redshank was there alone. Several Grey-tailed Tattlers are staying in the area. Wandering Tattler has been recorded on Okinawa Island, so I am hopeful for Ishigaki Island too.

Northern Boobook
Northern Boobook

Brown Hawk-Owl fledgling and the mother (right).

Northern Boobook
Northern Boobook

The mother arriving with food for the chick (background). Despite it being broad daylight, she made two prey deliveries in five minutes.

Ruddy Kingfisher
Ruddy Kingfisher

A Ruddy Kingfisher excavating its nest hole.

Terek Sandpiper
Terek Sandpiper

Terek Sandpipers in low numbers. Whether conditions on the breeding grounds have worsened or the migration route has shifted, I'm not sure…

Common Redshank
Common Redshank

A Common Redshank on its own.

Grey-tailed Tattler
Grey-tailed Tattler

Grey-tailed Tattlers are settling in for a stay, little by little.

Categories: 野鳥