2012-10-28

Birdwatching in Osaka-jo Koen (25 October, 2012)

Osaka-jo Koen (Osaka Castle Park) is a famous birding spot to see migratory birds in western Japan.  As I saw someone's blog which nearly daily updates bird records in the park.  According to the blog, it seems migration in this autumn is more productive than usual years. 

Although I didn't expect much, I decided to drop in the park for half day before my appointment in Osaka.  I arrived in the park about 9:00 a.m. and started walking from the Osaka-jo-koen station.  Immediately I heard call of flycatcher and then found a female Narcissus Flycatcher after 5 minutes.  Then, I walked towards southern part of the park where normally more migratory birds are seen.  I was lucky to see a female Japanese Thrush and a few warblers (probably, Arctic Warbler) on the way. 

There were about 30 people despite a week day.  They were waiting for Goldcrests were appearing.  After passing a plum tree garden, I stopped nearby a gate where I heard flycatcher's call.  Yes, there was a female Narcissus Flycatcher.  Also, a few Goldcrests were seen very closely.  While I was staying there, I also found 1-2 Arctic Warblers and a male Mugimaki Flycatcher, which was a highlight of the day.

Great Tit (male)

Japanese White-eye

Arctic Warbler (Phylloscopus borealis examinandus?)

Arctic Warbler (Phylloscopus borealis examinandus?)

Arctic Warbler (Phylloscopus borealis examinandus?)

Arctic Warbler (Phylloscopus borealis examinandus?)

Arctic Warbler (Phylloscopus borealis examinandus?)

Goldcrest

Goldcrest

Goldcrest

Goldcrest

Goldcrest

Goldcrest

Goldcrest

Goldcrest

Goldcrest

Goldcrest

Goldcrest

Goldcrest

Goldcrest

Goldcrest

Goldcrest

Goldcrest

Narcissus Flycatcher (female)

Narcissus Flycatcher (female)

2012-10-14

Birdwatching in Maioka Koen (October 14, 2012)

Autumn has come in Yokohama.  A flock of Hawfinch is flying above the forest in Maioka Koen while Bull-headed Shrikes are calling top of trees.  Highlights were flycatchers.  Several Narcissus Flycatchers and Grey-spotted Flycatchers were calling and seen in the forest.  Some bird watchers even saw immature male Blue-and-White Flycatcher and a male Narcissus Flycatcher.

Bull-headed Shrike (male)

Narcissus Flycatcher (female, juvenile)

Grey-spotted Flycatcher

Grey-spotted Flycatcher

Grey-spotted Flycatcher

Grey-spotted Flycatcher