Yesterday I visited the Aso-Kuju area in central Kyushu. Specifically I wanted to see Japanese Reed Bunting (aka Ochre-rumped Bunting), but also other summer birds of higher altitudes. Although this was the middle of rainy season, the forecast seemed promising so I arrived at dawn. Soon after starting off a trail famous for having my target species, I spotted a few pairs in a meadow full of flowering milk thistle – a promising beginning!
I spent some time watching this meadow and enjoying observing the birds flitting among the flowers even though they were a little far away. I then continued along the trail and saw a few more pairs before locating a nice male that came reasonably close to me. I had a good time photographing him and also a nice male Chestnut-eared Bunting and Black-browed Reed Warbler.
Other birds active along the trail included Zitting Cisticola, Japanese Bush Warbler, Northern Goshawk, Eurasian Cuckoo, Lesser Cuckoo, Japanese Green Pheasant, Oriental Reed Warbler and Bull-headed Shrike. Needless to say, the morning chorus of bird song was amazing!
John Wright
John Wright is an Australian wildlife photographer and bird guide based in Kyushu, Japan. John became seriously engaged in nature photography while living in Japan and then Thailand. He returned to Japan in 2008 and has since concentrated on wildlife photography, especially birds. John visits Southeast Asia and Australia regularly, but usually travels within the Japanese archipelago, where he also guides visiting birders and wildlife photography enthusiasts.
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