Pechora Pipits Arrive!! Brown-cheeked Rail and Northern Shoveler in, Javan Pond Heron Lingers
Pechora Pipits have arrived again this season, in small numbers. Last year I found two among a flock of Red-throated Pipits. This time I noticed them by their calls overhead, and after a flock of five dropped into the paddy I searched and found two individuals. ^^
While looking for the Pechora Pipits, a Brown-cheeked Rail also appeared. It was a brief encounter — the bird was very wary — but a welcome one.
Ducks are growing in number and variety; I had my first Northern Shoveler of the season on this day. By the time the ducks arrive, both Pin-tailed Snipe and Swinhoe's Snipe have already moved on, leaving large numbers of Common Snipe behind.
The Javan Pond Heron that arrived in late July was still present. At peak there were three, but now only one remains. It should stay until around February, being in wintering mode.
Elsewhere, I noted Masked Bunting and Yellow Bittern. A Pied Avocet apparently made its way into the grounds of a facility where a friend of mine works.
Paddyfield Pipit seen again this season.
The Paddyfield Pipit, the most beautiful of the Anthus pipits, stands out well even from a distance.
The temperature was not high, but it was panting — apparently having just arrived.
While searching for Paddyfield Pipit, a crake appeared. The encounter lasted only a moment. ^^;
A Javan Pond Heron that has been present for three months. It will likely stay on through the winter.
A juvenile female Northern Shoveler.
A juvenile male Northern Shoveler.
Common Teal are now being seen regularly in paddies and settling ponds.
A Common Snipe in the undergrowth. All the snipe I found that day were Common Snipe, but with the rice and grass growing tall they are hard to pick out.