Snipe hunting in the usual paddies
With the 7th Ishigaki Island Snipe Camp a week away, I spent concentrated time looking for snipe in the usual paddies. Juveniles had not yet arrived, but both Pin-tailed Snipe and Swinhoe's Snipe adults are present.
Javan Pond Heron and Chinese Pond Heron are also staying on. Grey Herons are slowly increasing.
A Pin-tailed Snipe at relatively close range.
Same individual as above. The progress of the moult is apparent.
A Pin-tailed Snipe looking tired — it may have just arrived.
Same individual as above.
This Swinhoe's Snipe has been present for the past few days.
This Swinhoe's Snipe looks exhausted — perhaps it arrived the previous night.
This Pin-tailed Snipe has also been here for the past few days.
Swinhoe's Snipe are gradually increasing in number.
While I was watching the snipe, a Javan Pond Heron came down and landed.
A Chinese Pond Heron that arrived together with the Javan Pond Herons.
Grey Herons also arrived a few days ago and numbers are slowly building.