Ryukyu Ruddy Kingfisher still remaining

　In late September on Ishigaki Island, the composition of migratory birds changes significantly from day to day. The Ryukyu Ruddy Kingfisher, a subspecies of the Ruddy Kingfisher, breeds in the Nansei Islands, including Ishigaki Island, and is said to disappear from sight by mid-August, but on this occasion I was lucky enough to spot one.

　As the base of its beak is blackish, it may be a juvenile born this year.

　Whilst they sing in a distinctive voice during the breeding season, they do not sing at this time of year, so one must search carefully among the branches in the woodland and along the crash barriers. Having visited Ishigaki Island many times, they are not all that rare a sight, but even so, whenever I spot one, I cannot help but feel that coming to Ishigaki Island was well worth it.