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

Schrenck's little bittern Ryukyu scops owl Pied Avocet Daurian starling Javan pond heron

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

Red-throated Pipit, Arctic Warbler, and Grey-faced Buzzard Migration

I photographed Red-throated Pipit and Arctic Warbler for the first time this season. I had already confirmed both by sight and call a few days ago.

On this day, more than 8,500 Grey-faced Buzzards were counted — a record — but by the time I arrived during a break from work the peak had already passed and I ended up counting only around 200…

Red-throated Pipit
Red-throated Pipit

A small flock of about ten Red-throated Pipits arrived. One or two Buff-bellied Pipits appeared to be mixed in, but I couldn't get a photo.

Arctic Warbler
Arctic Warbler

A flock of several Dusky Warblers arrived together. Dusky Warblers that have just come through tend to move around in small groups in paddy-field habitat like this, but they gradually disperse and begin establishing winter territories centred on scattered scrub.

Chinese Pond Heron
Chinese Pond Heron

On my way home from work I spotted a Chinese Pond Heron.

Pacific Golden Plover
Pacific Golden Plover

An adult Pacific Golden Plover. In the process of moulting into winter plumage.

Grey-faced Buzzard
Grey-faced Buzzard

A male Grey-faced Buzzard. Thought to be second-winter.

Grey-faced Buzzard
Grey-faced Buzzard

A Grey-faced Buzzard circling with a farm in the background.

Grey-faced Buzzard
Grey-faced Buzzard

I missed the peak hours, but I did manage to see kettles of several dozen raptors a number of times. ^^

Categories: 野鳥