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

Two Ruddy Shelducks, two Lesser White-fronted Geese, a Common Crane, and a Greater White-fronted Goose are all on an extended stay. On this day I couldn't find the Greylag Goose or the Taiga Bean Goose. They were quite wary, so perhaps they've retreated to the Ampar wetlands area.

The overwintering small birds are increasing on Ishigaki Island.

Among them, I found a strange Daurian Redstart. At first I thought it might be a male juvenile transitioning into its first-winter plumage, but that doesn't seem to be the case — it's been suggested the bird may be a female-type individual with unusual plumage. Either way, it was an interesting Daurian Redstart.

Dusky Warblers appear to be arriving in decent numbers in the riverside thickets. Getting a good photo of them is not easy.

A fair number of Black-faced Buntings were lurking in the sugarcane fields. Some individuals that looked more like Masked Buntings were mixed in as well.

The dark-morph Grey-faced Buzzard that has been overwintering on Ishigaki Island every year since 2018 has returned again this year. It was a juvenile in the first year, so it is now 5 years old. It has been gradually becoming less wary, and this year I was able to observe it at quite close range.

The Black-winged Kite first appeared on Ishigaki Island in 2015 and has been breeding steadily ever since, to the point where it can now be seen all over the island — and it has finally moved into town as well. On this day I confirmed two birds flying together over the MaxValu in Maesato. I also frequently see them foraging on the wasteland to the east of Ishigaki City Hall.

Apparently it has been 442 years since a lunar eclipse and a planetary occultation occurred simultaneously. This time the planet was Uranus. The family watched together while having a barbecue on the deck at home. ^^

A Tundra Swan arrived for the first time in about two years. Last time it stayed until spring — I wonder how long this one will stick around. It shows almost no wariness, so it would be great if it settles in for a long stay.

Crested Serpent Eagles are becoming more active ahead of the breeding season. I've been hearing them calling back and forth and often seeing them soaring over their territories.

Chinese Pond Herons are overwintering at several locations. Once they step into the grass they blend right in and become very hard to spot.

Eurasian Coots increased sharply after November began. Two years ago they were frequently attacked by Upland Buzzard. This season an Eastern Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, and Peregrine Falcon are all present, so it looks like it will be a tense winter for the coots.

For waders, Common Greenshank, Marsh Sandpiper, Black-winged Stilt, Long-toed Stint, Common Snipe, and Wood Sandpiper are all staying on.

I recorded my first Gadwall of the season. Tufted Duck and Eurasian Wigeon numbers are also building up at the dam.