Common Hoopoe (video included)
This season seems to be a bumper year for Common Hoopoe on Ishigaki. Reports of sightings are coming in from all over. On this one day alone, a dozen or more individuals were recorded. I myself photographed two while travelling for work.
It looks like snipe migration has finally begun. The birds feel clearly different from the overwintering ones, and there is a real sense of spring passage. ^^
A Eurasian Hoopoe foraging without any sign of concern as a lawnmower carrying a worker roared and trundled around nearby.
Same individual as above. The Eurasian Hoopoe found a spider in the freshly mown grass.
A Eurasian Hoopoe at a different location. This individual called with a "jaar, jaar" sound — a rare chance to hear it make something other than its usual "poo poo poo." It was a real shame I couldn't get it on video.
Four Common Snipe resting at the paddy bund.
A nearby Common Snipe apparently convinced it was hidden in the grass.
Another Common Snipe that had been hiding right alongside.
A Javan Pond Heron that has been staying since last autumn. Still in winter plumage, but I expect the moult will begin before long.