
Very dark and grey this July. So far at least. Not much west of town today: a lot of Osprey, a few stray ducks stuck here for summer, Pacific Swift and the above Blue Rock Thrush, one of many individuals west of hakodate.
A male Blue Rock Thrush to the west of town yesterday. Summer is starting and just the breeders remain now. Other noteworthy species around included Kentish Plover and a few Rhinoceros Auklet close inshore chasing the sardines. Not quite close enough for any decent photos although one did pop very briefly nearby the port.
Otherwise just the regular summer stuff around: Reed and Chestnut-eared Buntings, Oriental Reed Warblers and lots of Siberian Stonechats.