The season and the birds are both changing..............
Common Buzzard, Goshawk and Sparrowhawk have all been moving south. At Onuma yesterday there were flocks of Siskin and Rustic Bunting.
We had a long drive round south Hokkaido on Monday, from coast to coast across 2 mountain passes. The hills are brown, yellow and orange. It's autumn............
The wind has been from the west for a while now so no interesting seabirds at Yakumo, I was hoping for Kittiwakes, Terns or Skuas but got nothing except a flock of Dunlin. Lots of ducks everywhere though. Black Scoter at Yakumo, Falcated Duck at Kikonai, Harlequins to the east of town and flocks of Wigeon at Kamiiso as well as a small group of Goosander.
5 species of Gull at Kamiiso, including Glaucos Winged Gull, these start appearing all over the place as autumn develops.
Lots of salmon now too, some dies before they get to the river and end up as gull food on the beaches. This is a Slaty Backed Gull.
There are also lots of Vega Gulls around too.
The last few Ospreys are still present, this one was at Kikonai.
Yes, the birds all change in the autumn but that keeps us birders on our toes to see what new birds arearriving. All great shot Stuart
ReplyDeleteThanks again Margaret................
DeleteThat's a great shot of the Goosander. It must be nice seeing all the colour on the hills in one way, but sad in another as it means winter is coming.
ReplyDeleteOn the contrary.............winter is my favourite season. I dislike summer with its humidity and bugs!
DeleteI guess it depends where you live partly regarding winter. I probably prefer autumn here in Melbourne as we often have settled sunny days in the mid twenties with no wind, especially in April, but sometimes March is still quite hot. I liked winter days in Norway when the sun came out on the snow and everything sparkled though!
DeleteThe birds are probably better here in winter (eagles and other stuff), and on clear winter days the light is great for bird photos too.
DeleteFlocks of Rustic Buntings? One would suffice here. Good to see those different gulls - all Herrings and Black heads here.
ReplyDeleteHi Phil, you do have more resident gull species in the UK. Only 2 here although we get another half dozen or so in winter.
DeleteGreat series of pictures. Like you, we are well into fall now with many species having departed. New ones are coming in, however.
ReplyDeleteWish I was looking forward to a Canadian winter with some Canadian winter birds to photograph.................!!
DeleteCome on over!
DeleteOne day, one day..................
DeleteHello Stuart!:) Love the Osprey shot. Nice selection of sea birds too. I'm beginning to notice the lack of birds on the farm, where I get most of my captures, as well as my garden. The Pied and Spotted Flycatchers have left now.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'll get some nice winter birds to replave them...............
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