Bird Watching in Japan & Asia

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?)

Goldcrest

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.