Oyumi-ike

A big chunk of the bank of Oyumi-ike was washed away by a strong typhoon last year and the re-construction work started, which has made the south-side of the pond more like mudflats.

I'd never seen so many egrets and herons in this place before.

 a Great Egret (Daisagiダイサギ)

 a Grey Heron (Aosagiアオサギ)

 

 a Little Egret (Kosagiコサギ)

A Common Sandpiper (Isoshigiイソシギ) was making the most of the muddy patch.

and so was a White Wagtail (Hakusekireiハクセキレイ).

In the north pond, quite a few ducks were resting.

Some were coming up to me, looking hopeful:) I didn't have anything on me though;

Spotbilled Ducks (Karugamoカルガモ)

a male Teal (Kogamoコガモ)

A female Bull-headed Shrike (Mozuモズ) was hunting quietly and caught something in the stubble, then flew into the thicket.

A flock of Tree Sparrows (Suzumeスズメ) looked cautious when the shrike was around.

It was a chilly but pleasant morning by the pond.