Japanese White-eye

A pair of Japanese White-eyes (Mejiroメジロ) started visiting to my sugar water bowl on the wood-deck frequently so I couldn't resist putting out something which they would like - pieces of apples, satsumas or a spoonful of raspberry jam.

Unlike Tree Sparrows and Brown-eared Bulbuls coming to the wood-deck, the Japanese White-eyes don't fly away even when I opened the curtains so I was able to take pictures of them quite easily:)

Garden, or Pot Visitors

 I scatter some rice or breadcrumbs in our pots during the winter and look what happened...

More than 25 Tree Sparrows (Suzumeスズメ) squabbling, squeaking, pushing and pouncing on others...
All saying is it's mine, mine, mine!





Please sign the petition for the Gyotoku Bird Observatory:
http://birdinginjapan.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/help-gyotoku-bird-observatory-in-crisis.html

Sweet-Tooth

Since a Japanese White-eye (Mejiroメジロ) spotted a bowl of raspberry jam water on our wood-deck, she has come to the bowl very often to have a sip of the sweet water or eat tiny pieces of apples in it.

She is soooooo sweet!!






Please sign the petition for the Gyotoku Bird Observatory
http://birdinginjapan.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/help-gyotoku-bird-observatory-in-crisis.html

Mihama-en

Mihama-en is a traditional Japanese garden situated right in the busy business district of Kaihin-Makuhari and was created when the whole area was developed in the 90s.

the entrance next to skyscrapers

the map

a stream

A pair of White Wagtails (Hakusekireiハクセキレイ) were foraging on the short grass.

the entrance gate of the tea room - Shourai-tei （松籟亭)
(松: pine trees, 籟: a sound when wind touches something, 亭: a hut)

Today's wagashi (a traditional confectionary) - ume (梅Japanese plum)

inside the gate to the tea room

a toro (灯篭a stone lantern) inside the gate

a gazebo

a sliding door by the tea room

the lake and the tea room

and skyscrapers...

carp

a wooden bridge (you can cross it to the island)

a gazebo overlooking the lake and the tea room

Spotbill ducks (Karugamoカルガモ） & hybrid of spotbills and mallards

a close shot of a Spotbill Duck

beautifully coloured speculum

Hmm... What are you doing up there, I wonder.

looking rather guilty... What are you up to?

Where are you going?!

a waterfall

～fin～


Please sign the petition for the Gyotoku Bird Observatory:
http://birdinginjapan.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/help-gyotoku-bird-observatory-in-crisis.html

River-mouth of the Hamada

There were about 90 Black-headed Gulls (Yurikamomeユリカモメ) floating, pecking, flying and arguing by the vent.

I didn't see any other types of gull and I was wondering why.

Some brave ducks were trying to get their share.

Gadwalls (Okayoshigamoオカヨシガモ)

Ducks and coots away from the gulls looked rather relaxed in the winter sun.

a Greater Scaup (Suzugamoスズガモ)

 Wigeons (Hidorigamoヒドリガモ)

a Teal (Kogamoコガモ）

A male Blue Rock Thrush (Isohiyodoriイソヒヨドリ) was watching the feast from the bank.

A noisy family of Azure-winged Magpies (Onagaオナガ) found some berries in the trees by the water.

I am really glad that I decided to take the walk on that day.



PLEASE sign the petition for the Gyotoku Bird Observatory:
http://birdinginjapan.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/help-gyotoku-bird-observatory-in-crisis.html

Hamadagawa

I have been busy sorting out things for our moving for the last two weeks or so and I felt like I would go mad unless I went out to see some birds!

I had to go to Kaihin-makuhari on that day, which was an excellent excuse to have a look in the small river called Hamadagawa near Kaihin-makuhari Station.

Towards the river-mouth, I heard gulls screaming and I got as excited as the gulls!!

Something must have been floating out from the underground drainage as all of the birds were crazy near the exit.

There were also Japanese White-eyes, Great Tits, Brown-eared Bulbuls, Oriental Turtle Doves, Blue Rock Thrushes, Dusky Thrushes and an Olive-backed Pipit alongside the river.



PLEASE sign the petition for the Gyotoku Bird Observatory:
http://birdinginjapan.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/help-gyotoku-bird-observatory-in-crisis.html

HELP!!! Gyotoku Bird Observatory in Crisis!

One of the few nature reserves in Tokyo Bay is about to be shut down by the Chiba local government. The Observatory, which once was wildlife-rich wetlands, is located less than 10 miles from the Tokyo city centre. The locals and the staff have been working very, very hard to keep this place as wildlife friendly as possible, although its surroundings have been deteriorating for the last few decades. It includes a 140-acre wildlife protection area with a record of more than 280 bird species, a visitor centre (+educational facilities) and a wildbird hospital.

The government claims that the visitor centre, which is a three-storied, glass-fronted building with about 50 embedded telescopes, which was built in the 70s, is now below the earthquake resistance standards and no longer safe for users. Instead of presenting any options, such as rebuilding or reinforcing it, the government seem to have made up their minds to close it down. If we do not do anything now, it is almost certain that the observatory will be a thing of the past.

Please, please take part in the petition.

Thank you very much for your support! 

Link to the petition site: 
Stop Shutting Down Gyotoku Bird Observatory

New Year's Day Birding

A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!


Our target bird on New Year's Day was the Japanese Green Woodpecker (Aogeraアオゲラ) and we were lucky enough to see at least three of them.

a beautiful bird!

This one seemed to be drinking water

This one was chiseling inside the hole. Whether it was for food, for the next breeding season or for a completely different reason, we didn't know.

We didn't stay up for the countdown, just went to bed early and got up early to travel to the western side of Tokyo and it was worth it!!


The Japanese Green Woodpecker, which looks very similar to the European Green Woodpecker, is endemic to Japan (Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu and small islands) and is quite common in decent sized woodlands.  　
More info:
http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22681459/0


Info about Inokashira Koen
http://www.wa-pedia.com/japan-guide/kichijouji.shtml