Bird Watching in Japan & Asia: 2011/02

2011-02-27

Birdwatching in Matsudo & Abiko (February 27, 2011)

Finally, I visited Matsudo to see a Golden-crowned Sparrow and Red-breasted Flycatcher. As I missed one train in Totsuka station, I needed to wait for nearly 2 hours untill the American sparrow appears from bush. Although more than 1.5 month has passed after the individual was firstly seen there, approx. 20 birdwatchers were still waiting for it. Accordingly one of the birdwatchers, it was firstly found by an American birdwatcher. He or she heard something familiar call for him/her. Otherwise, it wouldn't be surrounded by thousands of photographers during the stay in Japan.

A Red-breasted Flycatcher was much easier to see. It was immediately found after photographing the sparrow. The flycatcher is relatively tame and easy to photograph. Well, this is more enjoyable.

Then, I visited Abiko to see a Pallas's Leaf-Warbler. The warbler was spotted within 15 minutes after I arrived but was so restless!! I took a few shots but none was so good.... Additionally, there were still more than 50 birdwatchers who were chasing around such a tiny warbler. I gave up for photographing it and dropped in taking photos of a male Orange-flanked Bush-Robin, which stayed on a nice plum branch.

Black-faced Bunting (male)

Daurian Redstart (female)

Oriental Greenfinch (male)

Golden-crowned Saprrow (non-breeding plumage)

Buff-bellied Pipit (non-breeding plumage)

Red-breasted Flycatcher (female?)

Pallas's Leaf-Warbler

Orange-flanked Bush-Robin (male)

2011-02-22

Birdwatching in downtown Tokyo (February 21, 2011)

Although I originally planned to photograph Golden-crowned Sparrow, which has been seen in north western Chiba Pref. since last month, I decided to go to Meiji-jingu likely last month. Weather was cloudy and even bit windy. The famous shinto shirne was very crowded as usual. However, gyoen is quite as not many people go in the park while 500 YEN is needed to go in.

A male Orange-flanked Bush-Robin was easily found and was still tame. I spent about 45 minutes and enjoyed photographing it. The individual was surprisingly tame. It even came closer.....

Flock of Grey Bunting was absent as nobody left seed for the buntings, though a male was briefly seen in the bush.

I dropped off one of the ponds in the shrine for watching Mandarin Ducks. Although the number was small, they are still in the pond, too.

In the emperor's palace (or Koukyo), Falcated Teal and Smew were seen well. A male Smew came closer unusually.