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

Ryukyu scops owl Asian Glossy Starling Ashy drongo Pheasant-tailed jacana Ryukyu flycatcher

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

Ryukyu Scops Owl, Ruddy Kingfisher, and Crested Serpent Eagle (video)

I confirmed incubation beginning at a fifth Ryukyu Scops Owl site. The Ruddy Kingfisher female near my home has not been seen much lately, so she may also be incubating.

The rescued Crested Serpent Eagle, Mitchan, keeps getting driven off by the territorial male in this area, but comes back undeterred and keeps searching for food. I hope she builds up her strength properly this summer, gets through the winter, and grows into a fine adult.

The Lesser Whistling Duck is still present. Its reactions to passing vehicles and crows have settled down and its daily routine has become predictable, so a long stay looks likely. If it summers over, it will be a treat for many birders.

Ryukyu Scops Owl
Ryukyu Scops Owl

A male Ryukyu Scops Owl keeping watch over the nest. This is the third consecutive year breeding at the same site.

Ruddy Kingfisher
Ruddy Kingfisher

A Ruddy Kingfisher in the neighbourhood. It made an aerial catch of a moth that passed right in front of it, but then spat it out and discarded it.

Crested Serpent Eagle
Crested Serpent Eagle / Ringed / flagged bird

"Mitchan," a rescued female Crested Serpent Eagle, swallowing a Swamp Eel. It has become one of her favourite feeding spots, but fights with the resident territorial individual are a constant occurrence here.

Common Buzzard
Common Buzzard

A Common Buzzard passing over my house. It looks like it had just caught prey — the throat is visibly bulging.

Ryukyu duck
Ryukyu duck

A Ryukyu Duck that looks set for a long stay.

Eastern Spot-billed Duck
Eastern Spot-billed Duck

A Eastern Spot-billed Duck with chicks in a waterway. The chicks were being stalked by a Crested Serpent Eagle.

Categories: 野鳥