Ferruginous Duck, Black-winged Kite, Ryukyu Scops Owl, and others
When it comes to quality ducks on Ishigaki Island, the Ferruginous Duck stands out. This season it arrived alone. Not particularly wary, so an easy bird to watch.
While doing some birdwatching in the rice paddies with my daughter, a juvenile Black-winged Kite landed on a branch right in front of us. My daughter, who loves raptors, was thrilled — but afterwards when I tried to start the car, nothing happened. Had to call a tow truck and send it off to the garage. ^^;
A male Ferruginous Duck. No juveniles or adults could be confirmed….
Tufted Ducks number in the hundreds at the dam, but there were 4 at this sedimentation pond.
A juvenile Black-winged Kite. It came right in front of me repeatedly, searching for prey.
First night outing in quite a while. Stopped by a convenience store and observed several Ryukyu Scops Owls along the way.
15 Black-winged Stilts arrived. Spring migration is underway.
Green Sandpipers on the move also seem to be increasing.
Common Snipe were moving actively in mid-January, but things have settled down now. Come April, large numbers will be passing through Ishigaki Island.