2022 Summer Road Trip #4

Stejneger’s Stonechat

It was our first visit to the grasslands of North Hokkaido since 2019. We visited one of our favourite wild flower spots. It was a bit quiet to be honest. Don’t know if it was because we were a few days later than previous visits or some other reason…

All the usual species were present but not in such great numbers or posing for photos much. Except for this male Stonechat.

Stejneger’s Stonechat

Finally!

Sakhalin Grasshopper Warbler

Near Tomakomai last weekend I finally got a shot of one of the most difficult to photograph local birds. Sakhalin Grasshopper Warblers are common summer visitors to the grasslands and their song can be heard everywhere in suitable habitat. I’ve been trying for years to get a shot. They are extremely skulking. But then one above popped up and sang atop a bush for a few seconds!

A few minutes earlier I’d been delighted with this lame effort, the first time I’d ever photographed it.

Sakhalin Grasshopper Warbler

There were several Siberian Rubythroat around but they were also skulking. Other stuff included Masked, Chestnut-eared and Common Reed Buntings, Long-tailed Rosefinch, Eastern Crowned Warbler, Japanese Thrush, Black-browed Reed Warbler and lots and lots of Stonechats…

Stejneger’s Stonechat

More car park birds

Stejneger’s Stonechat

In addition to the Rubythroats there were many birds……………..

Middendorf’s, Lanceolated and Sakhalin Grasshopper Warblers, Eastern Marsh Harrier, Northern Hobby, White-tailed Eagle, Sand Martin, Northern Hobby, Latham’s Snipe, Wryneck, Long-tailed Rosefinch…………………and these 2 common species.

Black-browed Reed Warbler