I had time for a short walk this afternoon and the waxwings were around again. They were extremely restless, they were still feeding on the long busy road and it was really icy and slippery underfoot.
Most of the flock were Bohemians but there were a few Japanese Waxwings among them..........
You can tell the difference by the red tip of the tail on the Japanese. They also have a white or yellow breast depending on age compared to the yellow topped tail and plain breast of the Boemian..............here are some together.
I tried to get some BIFs but it was pretty dark and they were fast and erratic...............
Also around were Bullfinch, Hawfinch, Brambling and lots of Dusky Thrush. I couldn't relocate the Naumanns although I saw at least one yesterday in Onuma. We were there showing some relatives the local sights.................including the Nuthatches.
The Ural Owl wasn't there but there were 2 vocal, active Black Woodpeckers (no photos though), Siskin, Whooper Swan, Gosander, Smew..............the usual stuff including 3 Pintail.
We had a quick look at Yakumo but the eagles seemed to be far fewer in number and the ones that stayed weren't doing much either.............................
We are off to east Hokkaido for a week in a couple of days, it won't really be a birding trip exactly but I7ll be able to go for a trip out onto the sea ice for the eagles and hopefully a look at the cranes too.............
Some nice birds and the weather looks good. I hope you have a good trip east. Every winter I hope to go back to Shiretoko and see the cranes as well, but time just passes. I hope you avoid bad weather.
ReplyDeleteHi Russell, yes I'm a bit nervous about the weather especialy as the last time my trip out to the sea ice was spoiled somewhat by the rough seas.........
DeleteLove those waxwings. Do the Bohemian and Japanese ever hybridize, I wonder?
ReplyDeleteHi Wilma, I'll look out for ones with yellow and red striped tails............
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