Author: Stuart Price

August ends

by Stuart Price, posted in Shorebirds, Yakumo
Mongolian Plover

Wow that was a hot one. And it looks set to continue into September.

Yesterday was bearable in Yakumo; a bit of a cool breeze and under 30 at least. Lots of waders around including Great Knot and Long-toed Stint but not much posong for photos.

Mongolian Plover

2 Common Terns flew past at Yakumo. I don’t see many terns in Hokkaido so this was a nice surprise.

Common Tern

Another dark windy Monday

by Stuart Price, posted in Oshamambe, Raptors, Shorebirds, Yakumo
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

It’s been a hot one

by Stuart Price, posted in Shorebirds, Yakumo
Pacific Golden Plover

Wow it’s been a hot humid summer this year. I’ve hardly left the house in the last 5 or so weeks…

But today the temperature dipped below 30 for the first time in what seems like ages and it was even breezy with low clouds. The waders had returned to the beaches anyway.

Sanderling

Hot temps will return tomorrow or the day after according to the forecast.

Terek Sandpiper

I might even get a get a good night’s sleep in this lull.

Pacific Golden Plover

Also around were Red-necked Stint, Whimbrel and Kentish Plover as well as Eastern Marsh Harrier and lots of Great Egret.