Glossy Ibis Still Present; Javan Pond Heron in Summer Plumage Arrives
The Glossy Ibis is still here. A Javan Pond Heron in beautiful summer plumage has also turned up. Both are unwary and easy to observe and photograph.
I recorded the first Common Greenshank, Long-toed Stint, and Black-winged Stilt of the season. Young Purple Herons have also started to appear — breeding seems to have concluded successfully.
A Crested Serpent Eagle was on the forest road, likely in the middle of raising chicks. I expect fledglings to appear from late August onward.
The other day I went to check on a recently fledged Ryukyu Scops Owl and found the parent locked in a battle with crows — apparently holding its own against four of them.
The Glossy Ibis seems to have a favourite paddy — it is always in the same spot.
A Javan Pond Heron in breeding plumage — a long-awaited visitor. It has a different kind of beauty from the Chinese Pond Heron.
On Ishigaki-jima the temperature is around 32°C, so it is breathing with its mouth open. It looks hot.
The Javan Pond Heron was catching small creatures in the grass along the paddy bunds and in the rice paddies.
A Common Greenshank — my first confirmed record of the season. More and more will be passing through from here on.
Confirmed a few Long-toed Stints. Late summer plumage — no birds in winter plumage yet.
First Black-winged Stilt of the season as well. Just a single male.
First Purple Heron juvenile of the season. Things should get lively with adults and juveniles from here on.
A Ryukyu Scops Owl that had been locked in a battle with a crow.
An adult Crested Serpent Eagle on the forest road. Let's hope it can finish raising its chicks safely.
