Another dark windy Monday

Eurasian Kestrel

Hakodate had its hottest every day last week but amazingly we had another cool Monday (the high temps will return later this week…again).

The above Kestrel at Yakumo was a nice find; not a bird I often see in Hokkaido.

The storms were pushing the waves right up the beaches so it was tricky to find waders; only 3 species around today. And terrible conditions once again for photos.

Kentish Plover
Eastern Curlew

A morning on a campsite #1

Great Spotted Woodpecker

We had a night on a campsite last night…

After being serenaded by Jungle Nightjars all night (including a brief glimpse in the twilight) we were up at sunrise and there were lots of birds: a flyover White-tailed Eagle and Osprey, Japanese Green Pigeon, Brown Dipper, Grey Wagtail, several species of thrush…

Brown-headed Thrush

…and several species of woodpecker…

Great Spotted Woodpecker
Great Spotted Woodpecker

Breeding season in full swing as you can see.

Golden Week 2023 #10

Black-winged Stilt

This bird was at a tidal pool we often go to. The tide was out but the sun was in the wrong place for photos…

Black-winged Stilt

We returned later but the tide had come in and there was no exposed mud anywhere.

Lots of waders scattered around yesterday; in addition to the stilt there were Ruddy Turnstone, Grey Plover, Eurasian Curlew, Grey-tailed tattler, Wood Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover and Bar-tailed Godwit.

Plus a flock of Sanderling.

Sanderling

Some more EF 400 f/5.6L shots

Black Scoter

The light lens day continued…

Black Scoter
Black Scoter

So surprise surprise neither the RF 600 f/11 or the EF 400 f/5.6L are as good as the EF 500 f/4L but on days like yesterday sometimes it’s great to not worry about heavy lenses and dodgy shoulders.

Actually I used the big lens this afternoon and the camera/lens started shuddering and making loud noises and an error message appeared in the viewfinder. Hopefully just a case of cleaning the contacts….