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

Daurian starling Iriomote Tit Emerald dove Black-winged Cuckooshrike Collared Kingfisher

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

Ruddy Kingfisher, Malayan Night Heron, Cinnamon Bittern, Oriental Pratincole — juveniles fledging one after another

The Ruddy Kingfishers that were breeding near my home had fledged before I noticed. I confirmed three fledglings that can now fly.

Malayan Night Herons have also fledged. I confirmed two juveniles that have been out of the nest for some time. Three or so Cinnamon Bittern juveniles were in a flooded paddy. The adults' calls were audible too.

Oriental Pratincoles apparently bred at a quarry on private land — there were around 30 birds in total, adults and juveniles together. Two Little Ringed Plover juveniles as well. There is a possibility they bred on Ishigaki Island.

Ruddy Kingfisher
Ruddy Kingfisher

The Ruddy Kingfisher just a stone's throw from home fledged around three chicks again, as it did last year.

Malayan Night Heron
Malayan Night Heron

A Malayan Night Heron a few days after fledging.

Yellow Bittern
Yellow Bittern

There were three fledgling Ryukyu Bitterns — a trio of siblings.

Oriental Pratincole
Oriental Pratincole

Oriental Pratincoles had a good breeding season, and many fledged chicks were recorded.

Oriental Pratincole
Oriental Pratincole

This individual appeared to have injured a wing, but the injury seems minor so it should be fine.

Oriental Pratincole
Oriental Pratincole

An adult Oriental Pratincole, in the process of moulting into winter plumage.

Little Ringed Plover
Little Ringed Plover

A juvenile Little Ringed Plover. There were two. There is a possibility they bred somewhere on Ishigaki Island.

Long-toed Stint
Long-toed Stint

Long-toed Stint, breeding plumage.

Long-toed Stint
Long-toed Stint

Long-toed Stint, first-summer plumage.

Grey-headed Lapwing
Grey-headed Lapwing

Grey-headed Lapwing, first-summer plumage.

Categories: 野鳥