10/04/15   Today I went to Tataragawa estuary in Imazu where I go each spring in hopes of seeing the endangered black-faced spoonbill as they migrate through Kyushu. I didn’t expect to see them today as it was a month too early. I saw a few osprey (misago) and some common sandpipers (isoshigi) among others. The common greenshank landed just in front of my position behind some bushes, and I enjoyed watching it wade about in seach of crabs and other small creatures for five minutes or so. It flew off with a high-pitched “chiu chiu chiu!” . It was my first time to see this elegant species.

       Early morning, sun just coming up. One of the most popular songsters here in Japan sings his heart out.

                                                                                 10/03/15

10/02/15

My first post! Thought I would provide a short comment on the owl on my front page. It is a Ural owl, which is called fukuro here in Kyushu,Japan. It was being mobbed by some crows near a shrine which was surrounded by huge oaks and camphor trees. They flew off after ten minutes or so and the owl, whom I dubbed Hiyoshi, (after the shrine) remained at this location for about two weeks. I was able to take many photos , but I think the best was this one taken on the first day we met.