This morning I thought I would check out a few places for spring migrants. Firstly I went to Kabashima and later to Karako, both in Nagasaki prefecture. Although there were a lot of birds calling at Kabashima, very few were showing well – most were either skulking or very flighty. That said, there seemed to be quite a few interesting species starting to arrive. I heard one unusual warbler song that I have yet to identify, and also a call from a crake that I didn’t know.
But I used the video function on the 1D-X so hopefully I have them recorded for future identification. A nice male Siberian Rubythroat was there, but it flew off just as I was locking focus on it! Same for a solitary Hoopoe… Karako was better for photography, and I found a pair of Little Ringed Plover that might be preparing to breed there.
Other interesting birds at Karako were Chinese Penduline Tit, Japanese Pheasant, and Black-backed Wagtail. Eastern Great Tit were active among the cherry blossoms as well!
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.
Leave a Reply