Two Forest Wagtails!! Japan's First Western Gull!!
On a family trip to Okinawa's main island, I took the opportunity to see two overwintering Forest Wagtails and the first-ever Western Gull recorded in Japan.
With help from local friends, I managed to see both target species in a short time. ^^
Grey Wagtails appear on Ishigaki Island every year, but this was a rare chance to see two individuals at the same time, so I made the trip all the way to the north of the island to observe them.
I observed them together with my daughter. We were also able to hear the Grey Wagtails' call notes at close range.
They appeared to be feeding on compost piled up in the field. They moved back and forth through the grass.
A Grey Wagtail on the compost pile.
I also managed to capture a rare photograph showing two Rock Bush Chats together.
A Glaucous-winged Gull — a first record for Japan. It had been staying for a long time and had moulted from juvenile into first-winter plumage.
At a rice paddy I stopped by on the way back, a Pied Avocet was by itself.