Spring migration picks up pace
Spring migration on Ishigaki Island has been building gradually since February, and by March it has grown noticeably more active. The variety of waders is increasing first of all. Brown Shrikes and White-cheeked Starlings that spent the winter on the island are beginning to move north.
Some individual Crested Serpent Eagle juveniles are well along in their moult.
A juvenile Crested Serpent Eagle. It is within the territory of an adult pair and gets chased off every time it is spotted, yet it stubbornly stays put.
Common Starling numbers have gradually been dropping. This individual was on its own.
Several Northern Lapwings flew in to the cattle shed.
A few Common Greenshanks had come down into the rice paddies.
Among the Brown Shrikes wintering on the island, more individuals have begun moving on.
Common Snipe wintering along the river. A small flock of several birds.
Some individuals are showing advanced moult.
Three Common Redshanks that wintered here. They should be leaving soon.
A Long-toed Stint arrived.
Two Red-necked Stints arrived.