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Blog Birds
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Hooded crane
Alongside the white-naped crane, this crane is a primary attraction drawing overseas birdwatchers to Japan. Breeding in south-central to south-eastern Siberia, nearly 10,000 individuals migrate to the Izumi Plain each year. With the global population estimated at 11,600 birds, this means almost 90% migrate to the Izumi Plain. While they now overwinter not only in the Izumi Plain but also in parts of Shikoku and the Chūgoku region, it is thought they once migrated to various parts of the country. During the Edo period, they were part of the “Three Birds and Two Fishes” delicacies, and it is said that…
- Birds
- Kagoshima
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White-naped crane
The white-crowned crane, designated as an endangered species, is one of the birds sought after by foreign birdwatchers visiting Japan. There are two main groups of white-naped cranes: the western group breeds in northeastern Mongolia and China's Hanyang Lake, wintering in the lower Yangtze River region; the eastern group breeds in the Amur River basin of China and Russia, wintering in central Korea, Japan, and particularly the Izumi Plain. The number migrating varies significantly from year to year in Japan, exceeding 3,000 birds in some years and dropping to around 200 in others. Reports indicate their numbers in central Korea…
- Birds
- Kagoshima
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Common crane
Among the flocks of cranes in the Izumi Plain, the common crane is the hardest to spot. Though several migrate here each year, finding them among over ten thousand cranes proves quite a challenge. Their global population is estimated at 500,000 birds. In France, it is said that royalty and nobility once savoured them as a delicacy. In Japan, the more common hooded crane was particularly favoured by the upper classes when salted, suggesting cranes were a globally cherished delicacy symbolising longevity.
- Birds
- Kagoshima
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Sandhill crane
The sandhill crane, known in Japan as the “Canadian Crane”. Several birds migrate to the Izumi Plain almost every year. This year, three are said to be overwintering here, two of which are always inseparable. From morning till night, they spent their time together, never straying far apart. Though a rare bird in Japan, it is the world's most abundant crane, with an estimated population exceeding 1.5 million. In some US states, hunting of the sandhill crane is permitted for pest control of crops and for sport hunting. Reports indicate that, for now, capture is being carried out at sustainable…
- Birds
- Kagoshima
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Siberian crane
Another rare crane species has arrived at this year's Izumi Plain. It is the endangered Siberian Crane, of which only 3,200 to 4,000 are thought to exist worldwide. According to locals, it appeared to have an injured leg when it first arrived, but now half of one leg is missing, possibly due to necrosis. It occasionally displayed behaviour suggesting it was pecking at the leg with its beak, perhaps in pain. The Siberian Crane breeds in northern Russia. However, environmental changes in its wintering grounds, heavy pesticide use, and poaching are believed to be the primary causes of its significant…
- Birds
- Kagoshima
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Demoiselle crane
Among foreign birdwatchers visiting Japan, the eagles riding the drift ice in eastern Hokkaido and the vast flocks of cranes in Kagoshima's Izumi Plain are particularly popular. Having heard that the demoiselle crane had arrived for the first time in five years, I went to scout the location. This year, over 13,000 cranes have arrived, but only one of the demoiselle crane. Locals mentioned young one had arrived and that the rice fields it frequented was constantly changing. Just as I thought it might be hopeless, I spotted one quite easily. The dark grey hooded crane dominate the flock, so…
- Birds
- Kagoshima
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White-breasted waterhen
The White-breasted waterhen is frequently seen along the national road and farm roads of rainy Ishigaki Island. Perhaps because they often cross the roads, one frequently encounters their roadkill carcasses. In Japan, they are primarily resident birds inhabiting Okinawa Prefecture, but they often fly to relatively nearby locations and settle there permanently, with breeding records even on Honshu. Their range appears to be gradually expanding northwards. On Ishigaki Island, they are mainly found in rice paddies, but in the Indian city of Nainital, they breed at elevations as high as 1300 metres. They are birds that can potentially appear in…
- Birds
- Ishigaki Island
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Whiskered Tern
The Whiskered Tern is commonly seen in the Nansei Islands during the spring and autumn migration periods. Its scientific name, Chlidonias, derives from the ancient Greek khelidonios, meaning “swallow-like”, and indeed its flight over rice fields resembles that of a swallow. In summer plumage, as suggested by its Japanese name “Kurohara Ajisashi” (Black-bellied Tern), its underparts turn black. However, in winter plumage, the belly becomes whitish and the head takes on a salt-and-pepper appearance. On Ishigaki Island, they are often seen in small flocks, particularly over flooded rice fields.
- Birds
- Ishigaki Island
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Black-winged kite
The Black-winged Kite, whose numbers have increased on Ishigaki Island in recent years. They tend to appear when it's overcast or near evening, but there's no particular spot known for good viewing; they can apparently be seen anywhere. As they are also known in Japan as the “Black-shouldered Kite”, the shoulder part of their wings is black, making them quite conspicuous when flying. This kite is also found in Senegal, where I lived, and like the individuals on Ishigaki Island, it is highly wary, making it one of the birds most difficult to photograph. For this shoot, I used the…
- Birds
- Ishigaki Island
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Ryukyu Ruddy kingfisher
The red bird most representative of Japan is the Ruddy kingfisher. South of Amami Ōshima, a subspecies known as the Ryukyu Ruddy kingfisher migrates to the area. Its wings have a purplish tinge, particularly noticeable when illuminated at night. This period marks their southward migration, and by early October they are almost entirely gone. Finding them is extremely difficult as they are also silent, but our veteran guide Kobayashi proved his expertise. Several individuals were observed in the gaps between the trees. Perhaps because its appearance evokes vivid flames, it is sometimes regarded as an ill-omened bird that invites fire…
- Birds
- Ishigaki Island
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Crested serpent eagle
The Crested Serpent Eagle, representative bird of Ishigaki Island. While this eagle is widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia, the Crested Serpent Eagle inhabiting the Yaeyama Islands, including Ishigaki Island, is an endemic subspecies to Japan and designated as endangered. Its ecology remained largely unknown until its breeding was confirmed by a wildlife photographer in 1981. In recent years, traffic accidents involving young individuals appear to be increasing. During this trip, I observed them perched in roadside trees, hunting frogs and insects. On Ishigaki Island, golf course construction by resort companies is progressing, and resident groups have filed lawsuits…
- Birds
- Ishigaki Island
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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.
- Birds
- Ishigaki Island