Little Grebe on New Year's Eve

I strolled along my usual route from Katakura Castle Ruins Park to the Yudono River. The temperature was very low, and the birds seemed to be feeling the cold.

I did my last observation of the year. The Little Grebe, which usually hides quickly, was curled up and still today.

Daurian Redstart

There was a male on a side branch along the river.

He was still and not singing.
He was still and not singing.
Daurian Redstart Field Guide

Buff-bellied Pipit in the field

Buff-bellied Pipits have come to the field above Katakura Castle Ruins Park again this year.

A dozen or so were foraging while walking on the ground in the field.
A dozen or so were foraging while walking on the ground in the field.
Buff-bellied Pipit in the field Field Guide

Dusky Thrush

Dusky Thrushes were singing here and there.

It perched on a nearby branch.
It perched on a nearby branch.
It came down to the ground and looked at me.
It came down to the ground and looked at me.
It's not very wary.
It's not very wary.
Dusky Thrush Field Guide

Japanese White-eye

As I was watching the Dusky Thrush, a Japanese White-eye came out of the nearby bushes. It became a two-shot.

It didn't seem to care about the Dusky Thrush.
It didn't seem to care about the Dusky Thrush.
Japanese White-eye Field Guide

Male Green-winged Teal

Many Green-winged Teals were feeding in the Yudono River.

It's a vivid green.
It's a vivid green.
Male Green-winged Teal Field Guide

White-cheeked Starling

There were White-cheeked Starlings in the grassy area along the river.

They were foraging in small groups.
They were foraging in small groups.
White-cheeked Starling Field Guide

Little Grebe

I observed the Little Grebe that lives in the Yudono River. It usually hides in the bushes right away, but today it was curled up on the surface of the water, perhaps because it was cold.

It's about the size of a pigeon.
It's about the size of a pigeon.
It was looking into the water from time to time.
It was looking into the water from time to time.
It craned its neck and looked up.
It craned its neck and looked up.
It looks cold with its neck shrunk in.
It looks cold with its neck shrunk in.
Little Grebe Field Guide

Common Kingfisher

The Common Kingfisher also looked cold today.

It's puffier than usual.
It's puffier than usual.
Common Kingfisher Field Guide
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