Curlew Sandpiper, Dunlin, Long-toed Stint and Whiskered Tern arrive
On Ishigaki Island, the autumn wader passage is growing more active by the day, with both species and numbers on the rise.
In the paddies I recorded the first Curlew Sandpiper, Dunlin, and Long-toed Stint of the season. Little Ringed Plover juveniles have also arrived. Wood Sandpiper can be seen in flocks of several dozen birds across various paddy areas around the island. Common Greenshank are also passing through in good numbers. Four Whiskered Tern — the first of the season — had arrived as well.
The first Curlew Sandpiper of the season.
Also the first Dunlin of the season — just squeaking in before the end of July. The summer plumage is looking pretty ragged at this time of year.
A few Long-toed Stints arrived among a flock of Wood Sandpipers. First record of the season.
Large numbers of Common Greenshanks arriving, mostly adults.
Little Ringed Plovers are increasing too.
First juvenile Little Ringed Plover of the season.
A small flock of Whiskered Terns was flying around over the paddy fields.
The Javan Pond Heron is still present. In recent years, the number of wintering individuals has been increasing.