Migrant waders increasing
Migrant waders are building up and the paddies on Ishigaki are getting lively.
Juveniles now make up more than half of the Long-toed Stints present, and I confirmed the first juvenile Wood Sandpiper of the season. I had already found juvenile Common Redshank about two weeks ago, but this was my first time photographing one this season.
Common Greenshank, Marsh Sandpiper, Black-winged Stilt, Pacific Golden Plover, and Black-faced Spoonbill have also been showing up one after another.
First juvenile Wood Sandpiper of the season. Only one individual confirmed, but numbers will keep climbing from here.
Long-toed Stint juvenile. More than half the Long-toed Stints in the flock are juveniles. Numbers are expected to increase further.
Common Redshank juvenile. The first juveniles of the season are often Common Redshanks. This season too, I had one about two weeks ago.
Purple Heron breeds on Ishigaki Island. At this time of year, juveniles can be seen in rice paddies here and there.
Black-faced Spoonbill, an immature individual.
A few Marsh Sandpipers have also arrived. Moult stages vary; this individual is in winter plumage as far as I can see.
This individual still retains a lot of summer plumage.
Still much summer plumage remaining, but winter plumage is coming in.
Common Redshank adult. Just barely into winter plumage.
Wood Sandpiper still in summer plumage as well.
Black-winged Stilt, female.
Swinhoe's Snipe on a distant paddy bank.
Same individual as above.
A Swinhoe's Snipe that was too close.
This one is also a Swinhoe's Snipe.
Another Swinhoe's Snipe. Among the snipe, Swinhoe's Snipe have become predominant.
Only one Pin-tailed Snipe on this day.
Pacific Golden Plovers are being seen more often now in rice paddies and fields.