A daily record.
Featuring photos of wild birds and nature, mainly from Okinawa Main Island and Ishigaki Island

Schrenck's little bittern Ryukyu flycatcher Black-winged Cuckooshrike Iriomote Tit Pheasant-tailed jacana

GUIDED BIRDWATCHING TOUR

Go where the birds are. The SHIMASOBA Tour launches.

We'll drive you around Ishigaki Island to wherever the birds are showing best that day. Observation is mostly from inside the vehicle, and we keep it to a maximum of 3 guests so everyone can take their time.

Max. 3 guests 4 hours in the morning Beginners welcome
Check availability and book

第6回石垣島ジシギ合宿開催!!

第6回石垣島ジシギ合宿を開催しました。今回は女性1人と男性1人が参加いただきました。1日目は渋かったですが、2日目は、ハリオシギ、チュウジシギともにそこそこ観察することができました。

春のジシギは秋よりも難易度が上がることもあり、一部は後日の識別でした。

ジシギ以外で観察した主な種類は 番外編 の方でご覧ください。

第1回から 過去の石垣島ジシギ合宿 もどうぞ。

Pin-tailed Snipe
Pin-tailed Snipe

Pin-tailed Snipe. The scapulars and other feathers are changing into breeding plumage.

Pin-tailed Snipe
Pin-tailed Snipe

This Pin-tailed Snipe is also in the process of transitioning into breeding plumage.

Pin-tailed Snipe
Pin-tailed Snipe

A typical Pin-tailed Snipe.

Swinhoe's Snipe
Swinhoe's Snipe

Swinhoe's Snipe also appears to be well into its moult.

Pin-tailed Snipe
Pin-tailed Snipe

This one is a Pin-tailed Snipe.

Pin-tailed Snipe
Pin-tailed Snipe

This one is a Pin-tailed Snipe too.

Pin-tailed Snipe
Pin-tailed Snipe

This one is also a Pin-tailed Snipe.

Swinhoe's Snipe
Swinhoe's Snipe

A Swinhoe's Snipe lit by the evening sun.

Swinhoe's Snipe
Swinhoe's Snipe

This one turned out to be a Swinhoe's Snipe as well.

Categories: 野鳥

第6回石垣島ジシギ合宿【番外編】

第6回石垣島ジシギ合宿 の番外編は、キリアイが間近で観察できたほか、ウズラシギの群れや夏羽のヒバリシギ、到着したばかりのチュウシャクシギ、繁殖中のタマシギ、婚姻色が美しいリュウキュウヨシゴイなどが田んぼで見られました。

移動中には、アカショウビンやカンムリワシ、ムネアカタヒバリ、ツメナガセキレイの大群などが見られました。

Broad-billed Sandpiper
Broad-billed Sandpiper

When I first spotted it the Broad-billed Sandpiper was at the far end of the rice paddy, but it gradually worked its way closer.

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper

Sharp-tailed Sandpipers seen in groups ranging from around ten birds down to just a few.

Long-toed Stint
Long-toed Stint

Long-toed Stints were at various stages of moult — some fully in breeding plumage, others still largely in winter plumage.

Whimbrel
Whimbrel

Three Whimbrel appeared at the river mouth.

Greater Painted-snipe
Greater Painted-snipe

A pair of Greater Painted-snipe. Some males were already accompanied by chicks.

Yellow Bittern
Yellow Bittern

A male Ryukyu Bittern. It appeared right in front of me while I was watching snipe.

Yellow Bittern
Yellow Bittern

This male Ryukyu Bittern is showing breeding plumage.

White-breasted Waterhen
White-breasted Waterhen

White-breasted Waterhen were largely seen moving in pairs.

Ruddy Kingfisher
Ruddy Kingfisher

Ruddy Kingfisher at the start of the breeding season. Every individual in the park shows no wariness whatsoever….

Crested Serpent Eagle
Crested Serpent Eagle

Crested Serpent Eagle on the signboard pointing toward Omoto hamlet.

Whiskered Tern
Whiskered Tern

Black-bellied Terns are wheeling over rice paddies here and there.

Red-throated Pipit
Red-throated Pipit

I came across 2 Red-throated Pipits — unusual for this time of year.

Eastern Yellow Wagtail
Eastern Yellow Wagtail

Eastern Yellow Wagtails were gathering in large flocks on farmland.

Categories: 野鳥