Broad-billed Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Grey Plover, Cinnamon Bittern, and Others
Ishigaki had a rough day under the influence of a tropical depression. When the rain eased I did the rounds of the paddies and found the first Broad-billed Sandpiper of the season had arrived — encountered in a puddle in a sugarcane field. Out on the grassland I also picked up first records of Curlew Sandpiper and Grey Plover. Bad weather does have a way of pushing birds into unexpected places.
Found a Broad-billed Sandpiper in a puddle in a sugarcane field. Was able to observe it right in front of me.
The Broad-billed Sandpiper is noticeably further into winter plumage now.
Found a Curlew Sandpiper in a pasture. First time I've seen one in a place like this.
Grey Plover in the pasture too. Seems out of place.
There were a dozen or so Pacific Golden Plovers in the pasture, but these don't feel out of place.
Oriental Pratincole mostly moulted from juvenile to first-winter plumage.
Oriental Pratincole adult. It was eating a large earthworm. Didn't know they'd take something like that.
A female Greater Painted-snipe appears as well.
The male paired with the female above.
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper in late summer plumage. Starting to see them here and there.
During the heavy rain, a Yellow Bittern took shelter in the pasture too.