Northern Boobook starts breeding, six White-winged Terns arrive, Eastern Yellow Wagtail appears
May 11, 2026
The Ryukyu Northern Boobook has begun breeding. The nest site changes almost every year because the nest trees rot and fall, yet breeding still succeeds and typically two or three chicks fledge.
A flock of six White-winged Terns appeared over the paddies. The weather had been a little rough, so they seemed to have taken shelter on the island. All were in summer plumage — a beautiful sight.
A Eastern Yellow Wagtail also turned up nearby. It has been a very long time since the last one. By the following day it was gone.
The sandpipers have largely moved on, which makes things feel rather quiet, but at least one Pin-tailed Snipe managed to hang on.
A male Japanese Scops Owl. I've had a long acquaintance with this individual.