Grosbeaks in the park

The most popular bird in M Park is the Chinese Grosbeak, beyond doubt. A long line of cameras is set up at the water basin, where photographers might get a chance to observe the target bird at eye level. They have to be there early, though. And prepared to wait in the cold. I did and braved the elements 3 times. Yet again, without gloves.

Japanese Grosbeak, イカル and Chinese Grosbeak, コイカル (right)

More black on the head, orange flanks and a slightly smaller body.

Darker colored on the back as well

Off he is

If he doesn't come down to drink, you have to look for him in the trees.

At another location, Japanese Grosbeak, イカル, are having a ball

Enjoy!

Starlings in the park

The best place for birdwatching this winter is M park, in the city. It attracts a lot of photographers, but that can also be fun. It sure beats staying at home, despite the cold.

Red-billed Starling, ギンムクドリ

Other visitors, looking for water in the big trees, are mostly Japanese Grosbeaks, イカル... 

...and Thrushes, like this Dusky Thrush, ツグミ

Winter trip - Saga

We're in Saga, nearly back home. Our 11-day winter trip has come to an end. This is the first post of our trip report, covering Kagoshima, Kumamoto and Saga in 12 parts. It's a long read!

Early in the morning at Higashiyoka, a Short-eared Owl was keenly patrolling the reed-covered land plots behind the sea wall. 

Short-eared Owl, コミミズク

When the sun warmed us up, a few small birds poked their head out.

Common Reed Bunting, オオジュリン

Penduline Tit, ツリスガラ

Zitting Cisticola, セッカ

with each leg on a different leaf

Female Daurian Redstart, ジョウビタキ Puffed up her feathers to stay warm

Male Hen Harrier, ハイイロチュウヒ, chasing a flock of waterbirds over the mudflats

There were 2 Common Ringed Plovers, ハジロコチドリ, whose orange legs I could just make out in the distance. Thank you for showing me, C-san!

Last, the enticing sweeping flocks of mostly Dunlins across the mudflats 💗

The last stop on the last day of our winter holiday. Billie took us safely a fair 1100 km around Kyushu in 11 days. Saga was the perfect end of what was a wonderful trip for the 2 of us.

Winter trip - Yokoshima reclamation land

From Hitoyoshi to Tamana, at the northern side of Kumamoto. Here we often visit the Kantaku, a reclamation area, as well as a campsite with hot spring. Known to be open during the holidays. Birding at the Kantaku was very slow. Except from a friendly Buzzard, everything was very far. Small birds, if present, could not be captured. As seems the case in most areas outside parks.

Eastern Buzzard, ノスリ

As other years, the male Hen Harrier, ハイイロチュウヒ or ハイチュウ flew at the same field, far from the road.

Does this pattern strike you as funny, too?

Common Starlings, ホシムクドリ. Cheeky as always

While Jaap did "n bergie" I roamed the area around the Reigando Cave and Unganzenji temple.

Old statues in a poorly maintained set-up. 

Several Varied Tits, ヤマガラ were moving in a tree with black berries. Maybe 4 birds. Nowadays, that seems a crowd. One Daurian Redstart was fiercely guarding the tree, but didn't want to pose.

What are those berries? Cleyera japonica, サカキ ?