Javan pond heron

　September on Ishigaki Island is the peak season for bird numbers; numerous long-toed stints and western yellow wagtails can be seen in rice fields everywhere, creating a lively scene.
　Among those rice fields we found a Javan pond heron. They seem to be migrating here more often in recent years, and apparently there are four this year. Their winter plumage is rather plain, but in summer their upperparts turn orange, making them quite beautiful herons.
　While common in Bali, where I used to live, if they arrive on Honshū causes quite a stir.