Caspian Tern, Common Gull and others (video)
A Caspian Tern was wrestling with a large fish on the coast. The fish was deep-bodied and the tern seemed to have real trouble swallowing it. The thread-like dorsal fin visible in the footage suggests it was a Silvery Moony.
Greater Crested Terns swallow small fish on the wing, but this Monocle Bream was too large, so the bird carried it to the water's edge. Looking closely, I could see it tearing off the obstructive dorsal and pectoral fins with its bill.
Once the troublesome fins were off, it set about swallowing the fish — which still looked like quite an ordeal.
It took a while, but the bird finally managed to get it down.
Common Gull, adult winter plumage. Common Gulls turn up on Ishigaki Island only about once every ten years, so this was a happy find.
Sanderling and Kentish Plover, hunkered down in a hollow to escape the strong wind.
Red-necked Stint, first-winter plumage. There were about three of them.
Long-toed Stint, first-winter plumage. There are fewer overwintering birds this year.
Little Ringed Plover, first-winter plumage.
