White-naped Crane — Only the 2nd Record for Ishigaki; Wintering Grey-faced Buzzards (video)
A White-naped Crane has arrived on Ishigaki for the first time in six years, since the first island record in 2020. It is a big, beautiful bird. A Siberian Crane has been wintering on Iriomote since last year — I would love to get over there to see it if the chance arises.
Crested Serpent Eagles are in the early stages of the breeding season; on fine days you can often hear a male and female calling back and forth.
Grey-faced Buzzards, Common Kestrels, Peregrine Falcons, Eastern Buzzards and Ospreys are all wintering on the island, but I have not seen an Upland Buzzard since I spotted one on Yonaguni in December last year — they seem scarce this season.
The first visit since October 2020. This time there were two adults. The Purple Heron looked no bigger than a Little Egret!!
A Grey-faced Buzzard wintering in the pasture. I feel like the number of wintering individuals has been declining year by year.
A female Crested Serpent Eagle. It was early in the breeding season and she was calling persistently, begging the male for food.
The male paired with the individual above. Could the thin patch of scrubby woodland along the edge of the farmland be their nesting site?
Around ten Northern Lapwings have been present since late last year.