Date: Mon, 13 Mar 1995 18:24:27

From: A.Wilkinson at bnr.co.uk (Alan Wilkinson)

Subject: Birding trip to Japan, February '95.
Verte

Summary of birding trip to Japan, February 1995, by Alan Wilkinson.

HIGHLIGHTS

first view of Steller's Sea Eagle: 2 in brief talon grappling episode over road at Akangawa; then further close views in Shiretoko Peninsular including 50+ together.
160+ Red-crowned Cranes in river at dawn from roost, then further close views of c. 50 displaying at Tancho No Sato
Laysan albatross from ferry, especially 20 tumbling past in loose flock with Short-tailed shearwaters escorting them
Black-footed albatross at close range during the last hour of third day of ferry seawatching.
c.8000 Hooded Cranes with 500+ White-naped cranes at dawn at Arasaki.
unexpected discovery of 1 Siberian Crane at dawn at Arasaki.
watching Siberian Crane departing Arasaki with migrating White-naped Cranes towards Korea in bright warm sunshine.

SUPPORTING CAST - Harlequin Ducks, Mandarin Ducks, Black-faced Spoonbills, White-tailed Eagles, Sandhill and Common Cranes, Saunder's Gulls, Crested Kingfisher, Red-flanked Bluetail, Daurian Redstart, Daurian Jackdaw, Japanese Grosbeak.

ITINERARY

6/2/95 - am. London to Amsterdam to Tokyo overnight flight with KLM.
7/2/95 - arrive Narita airport, travel to Tokyo, Honshu am., birding Yoyogi Park, Shinjuku, pm., stay in Tokyo.
8/2/95 - business meeting am., birding Yoyogi Park pm., catch Tokyo-Hokkaido ferry evening.
9/2/95 - seawatching all day from ferry.
10/2/95 - dock Kushiro in Hokkaido, collect hire car, visit Tancho No Sato Crane Reserve, on to Rausu by evening.
11/2/95 - birding around Shiretoko Peninsular from 5 am. Drive to Furen-ko pm.
12/2/95 - birding Furen-ko, Cape Nosappu, Cape Ochisi, Cape Kirritappu, travel to Tancho No Sato by evening.
13/2/95 - birding Tsuruigawa, Kushiro am. Return car and catch ferry to Tokyo pm.
14/2/95 - seawatching all day from ferry, arrive Tokyo evening, stay in Tokyo.
15/2/95 - bullet train (Shinkansen) to Osaka, detour around Kobe earthquake disaster area by local trains. Shinkansen from Himji to Hakata, Kyushu. Overnight Train to Izumi, Kyushu.
16/2/95 - birding around Arasaki Crane Reserve and surrounding area. Stay in Reserve guest house (minshuku).
17/2/95 - birding around Arasaki Crane Reserve and surrounding area. Stay in Reserve minshuku.
18/2/95 - train to south to Sendai, birding around Sendaigawa, train back to Hakata, stay in Hakata.
19/2/95 - birding Ohori-Koen, Izumi Bay, Zubaijigawa, stay in Hakata.
20/2/95 - Shinkansen and local train from Hakata to Tokyo with detour around Kobe disaster area. Stay in Tokyo.
21/2/95 - am. flight to London arriving pm.

LIST OF SPECIES

Systematic list follows 'Palearctic Birds - a Checklist of the Birds of Europe, North Africa and Asia North of the Foothills of the Himalayas' by M. Beaman, Harrier Publications 1994.

Loon sp., 9/2/95, Tokyo-Kushiro ferry, 2 Black-throated or Pacific Loons (Gavia arctica or Gavia pacifica) seen in flight. 14/2/95, Kushiro-Tokyo ferry, 1 large diver sp. seen in flight likely to have been Yellow-billed Loon (Gavia adamsii).

Little grebe, Tachybaptus ruficollis, 15/2/95, Nagoya, Honshu, 1. 19/2/95, Ohori-Koen, Hakata, Kyushu, 2+. 19/2/95, Zubaijigawa, Hakata, Kyushu, 2+.

Great-crested grebe, Podiceps cristatus, 18/2/95, Sendaigawa, Kyushu, 2. 19/2/95, Imazu Bay, Kyushu, 20+.

Black-footed Albatross, Diomedea nigripes, 14/2/95, Kushiro-Tokyo ferry, at least 4 seen well approaching Tokyo Bay including 2 together.

Laysan Albatross, Diomedea immutabilis, 9/2/95, Tokyo-Kushiro ferry, 17 in ones and twos. 14/2/95, Kushiro-Tokyo ferry, 37 including one group of 20.

Streaked Shearwater, Calonectris leucomelas, 14/2/95, Kushiro-Tokyo ferry, hundreds off Chiba prefecture and 12 approaching Tokyo Bay.

Short-tailed Shearwater, Puffinus tenuirostris, 9/2/95, Tokyo-Kushiro ferry, 1 seen swimming near the boat and in flight. 14/2/95, Kushiro-Tokyo ferry, 9 including 3 escorting group of 20 Laysan Albatrosses.

Great Cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo, 18/2/95, Izumi to Sendai, Kyushu, commonly seen from train. 19/2/95, Ohori-Koen, Hakata, Kyushu, 10+. 19/2/95, Zubaijigawa, Hakata, Kyushu, 30+ on sandbanks.

Temminck's Cormorant (Japanese Cormorant), Phalacrocorax filamentosus, 19/2/95, Zubaijigawa, Hakata, Kyushu, 5+ amongst Great Cormorants on sandbanks.

Pelagic Cormorant, Phalacrocorax pelagicus, 10/2/95, Kushiro, Hokkaido, 7 from ferry approaching port. Also 10/2/95, Shibetsu, Hokkaido; 11/2/95, Shiretoko Peninsular, Hokkaido; 12/2/95, Cape Nosappu, Hokkaido; 12/2/95, Cape Kirritappu, at least 10 seen at each site.

Black-crowned Night Heron, Nycticorax nycticorax, 16-17/2/95, creek south of Arasaki Reserve, Kyushu, 8. 17/2/95, river on north west edge of Arasaki Reserve, 12.

Little Egret, Egretta garzetta, 16-17/2/95, Arasaki, Kyushu, common around Reserve and surrounding rivers. 19/2/95, Zubaijigawa, Hakata, Kyushu, 10+.

Great Egret, Egretta alba, 8/2/95, Yoyogi Park, Tokyo, Honshu, 1. 16-18/2/95, Arasaki, Kyushu, common around Reserve and surrounding rivers. 19/2/95, Zubaijigawa, Hakata, Kyushu, 40+.

Grey Heron, Ardea cinerea, 16-18/2/95, Arasaki, Kyushu, common around Reserve and surrounding rivers. 19/2/95, Zubaijigawa, Hakata, Kyushu, many.

Eurasian Spoonbill, Platalea leucorodia, 19/2/95, Zubaijigawa, Hakata, Kyushu, 3 in roost of Great Egrets.

Black-faced Spoonbill, Platalea minor, 19/2/95, Zubaijigawa, Hakata, Kyushu, at least 7.

Whooper swan, Cygnus cygnus, 10/2/95, south of route 243 near Teshikaga, Hokkaido, 40+ in fields. 12/2/95, Bay near Cape Ochisi, Hokkaido, 3. 13/2/95, Tsuruigawa Bridge, near Tsurui-mawa, Hokkaido, 6.

Mandarin Duck, Aix galericulata, 7-8/2/95, Yoyogi Park, Tokyo, 20 in pool in north of park.

Eurasian Wigeon, Anas penelope, 16-17/2/95, Arasaki, Kyushu, many around Reserve and surrounding rivers. 18/2/95, Sendaigawa, Kyushu, 10+. 19/2/95, Ohori-Koen, Hakata, Kyushu, c.50. 19/2/95, Zubaijigawa, Kyushu, 100+.

Gadwall, Anas strepera, 19/2/95, Ohori-Koen, Hakata, Kyushu, 12.

Common Teal, Anas crecca, 16-17/2/95, Arasaki, Kyushu, common around Reserve and surrounding rivers. 19/2/95, Zubaijigawa, Kyushu, 50+.

Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos, 19/2/95, Ohori-Koen, Kyushu, 20+. 19/2/95, Zuabijigawa, 20+.

Spot-billed Duck, Anas poecilorhyncha, 16-17/2/95, Arasaki, Kyushu, common around Reserve and surrounding rivers. 18/2/95, Sendaigawa, Kyushu, 10+. 19/2/95, Zubaijigawa, Kyushu, 30+.

Northern Shoveller, Anas clypeata, 16/2/95, Arasaki, Kyushu, 4 on river south of Reserve.

Pintail, Anas acuta, 16-17/2/95, Arasaki, Kyushu, around Reserve and surrounding rivers, 200+. 19/2/95, Ohori-Koen, Hakata, Kyushu, c.200. 19/2/95, Zubaijigawa, Kyushu, 5+.

Pochard, Aythya ferina, 19/2/95, Ohori-Koen, Hakata, Kyushu, 200+.

Tufted Duck, Aythya fuligula, 19/2/95, Ohori-Koen, Hakata, Kyushu, 10+.

Harlequin Duck, Histrionicus histrionicus, 10/2/95, Shibetsu, Hokkaido, 3. 11/2/95, Shiretoko Peninsular, Hokkaido, small flocks sprinkled across each bay. 12/2/95, Cape Nosappu, Hokkaido, 30+. 12/2/95, Cape Ochisi, Hokkaido, 10+. 12/2/95, Cape Kirritappu, Hokkaido, 20+.

Long-tailed Duck, Clangula hyemalis, 10/2/95, Kushiro, Hokkaido, 10+ from ferry. 10/2/95, Shibetsu, Hokkaido, 2. 11/2/95, Shiretoko Peninsular, Hokkaido, small flocks in each bay. 12/2/95, Cape Nosappu, Hokkaido, 20+. 12/2/95, Cape Ochisi, Hokkaido, 6+. 12/2/95, Cape Kirritappu, Hokkaido, 12+.

Common Scoter, Melanitta nigra, 10/2/95, Shibetsu, Hokkaido, 10+. 11/2/95, Shiretoko Peninsular, Hokkaido, many. . 12/2/95, Cape Nosappu, Hokkaido, 40+. 12/2/95, Cape Kirritappu, Hokkaido, 30+.

Velvet Scoter, Melanitta fusca, 12/2/95, Cape Kirritappu, Hokkaido, 3.

Common Goldeneye, Bucephala clangula, 10/2/95, Shibetsu, Hokkaido, 10+. 12/2/95, Cape Nosappu, Hokkaido, 40+. 19/2/95, Imazu Bay, Kyushu, 10+.

Red-breasted Merganser, Mergus serrator, 11/2/95, Shiretoko Peninsular, Hokkaido, many. 19/2/95, Imazu Bay, Kyushu, 10+.

Black Kite, Milvus migrans, 17/2/95, Arasaki, Kyushu, 30+ together on the Reserve was largest gathering. Seen daily in Honshu, Kyushu, and Kushiro, Hokkaido.

White-tailed Eagle, Haliaeetus albicilla, 10/2/95, Tancho No Sato, Hokkaido, 1. 11/2/95, Sashruigawa, Rausu, Hokkaido, 10+ seen leaving traditional roost at dawn. 11/2/95, Keonichi, Rausu, Hokkaido, 20+ in trees beside coast road. 11/2/95, Shiretoko Peninsular, Hokkaido, 2+. 12/2/95, Furen-ko, Hokkaido, 1. Cape Kirritappu, Hokkaido, 1.

Steller's Sea Eagle, Haliaeetus pelagicus, 10/2/95, Akangawa Bridge 40km north of Kushiro, Hokkaido, 3 including 2 in brief talon grappling episode. 11/2/95, Sashruigawa, Rausu, Hokkaido, 50+ seen leaving traditional roost at dawn. 11/2/95, Keonichi, Rausu, Hokkaido, 50+ in trees beside coast road. 11/2/95, Shiretoko Peninsular, Hokkaido, 3+. 12/2/95, Cape Nosappu, Hokkaido, 5 including 2 feeding on sea-ice. Cape Ochisi, Hokkaido, 1.

Eastern Marsh Harrier, Circus spilonotus, 17/2/95, Arasaki, Kyushu, 1 over reed bed on north edge of Reserve.

European Sparrowhawk, Accipiter nisus, 17/2/95, Arasaki, Kyushu, 1 from village on north-west side of Reserve.

Spotted Eagle, Aquila clanga, 18/2/95, Sendaigawa near Takae, Kyushu, 1 immature (a well-watched Japanese rarity - only 7 records to 1991).

Osprey, Pandion haliateus, 16-17/2/95, Arasaki, Kyushu, 1+ feeding on rivers around Reserve. 18/2/95, Sendaigawa, Kyushu, 1. 19/2/95, Zubaijigawa, Hakata, Kyushu, 2.

Common Kestrel, Falco tinnunculus, 17/2/95, Arasaki, Kyushu, 2.

Peregrine Falcon, Falco peregrinus, 12/2/95, Cape Nosappu, Hokkaido, 1 male on mast at point. 17/2/95, Arasaki Crane Reserve, Kyushu, 1 male.

Common Moorhen, Gallinula chloropus, 17/2/95, Arasaki Reserve, Kyushu, 2.

Eurasian Coot, Fulica atra, 19/2/95, Ohori-Koen, Hakata, Kyushu, 2.

Common Crane, Grus grus, 16-18/2/95, Arasaki Reserve, Kyushu, up to 4.

Hooded Crane, Grus monacha, 16-18/2/95, Arasaki Reserve, Kyushu, official count of birds around the reserve was 7948.

Sandhill Crane, Grus canadensis, 16-17/2/95, Arasaki Reserve, Kyushu, up to 3. At least 1 departed high north-west towards Korea at 10 am on 17th with White-naped Cranes and accompanying Siberian Crane.

White-naped Crane, Grus vipio, 16-18/2/95, Arasaki Reserve, Kyushu, with a steady stream of birds departing high north-west towards Korea on the 17th during favourable weather conditions, 548 remained on the reserve (winter peak was 1927).

Red-crowned Crane, Grus japonensis, 10/2/95, Tancho no Sato crane sanctuary, Hokkaido, 50+. 13/2/95, Tsuruigawa Bridge, near Tsurui-mawa, Hokkaido, 160+ seen early morning in river leaving roost.

Siberian Crane, Grus leucogeranus, 16-17/2/95, Arasaki Reserve, Kyushu, 1 (present since December '94). Seen to depart high north-west towards Korea at 10 am on 17th with White-naped Cranes and accompanying Sandhill Crane.

Grey-headed Lapwing, Vanellus cinereus, 15/2/95 and 20/2/95, near Wadayama, Honshu, 1 seen from train. 20/2/95, near Osaka, Honshu, 1 seen from train.

Northern Lapwing, Vanellus vanellus, 16-18/2/95, Arasaki, Kyushu, common around the Reserve.

Common Snipe, Gallinago gallinago, 17/2/95, Arasaki Reserve, Kyushu, 2.

Common Greenshank, Tringa nebularia, 19/2/95, Zubaijigawa, Hakata, Kyushu, 2.

Green Sandpiper, Tringa ochropus, 17/2/95, Arasaki, Kyushu, 3 in dyke near village south of Reserve.

Common Sandpiper, Tringa hypoleucos, 16-17/2/95, Arasaki, Kyushu, 3+ on estuary south of Reserve.

Pomarine Skua, Stercorarius pomarinus, 9/2/95, Tokyo-Kushiro ferry, 12+. 14/2/95, Kushiro-Tokyo ferry, 45+.

Saunder's Gull, Larus saundersi, 19/2/95, Zubaijigawa, Hakata, Kyushu, 20 in winter plumage though some birds developing black hoods of summer plumage.

Black-headed Gull, Larus ridibundus, many: 16-18/2/95, Arasaki, Kyushu; 18/2/95, Izumi to Sendai, Kyushu; 19/2/95, Ohori-Koen, Hakata, Kyushu; 19/2/95, Zubaijigawa, Hakata, Kyushu.

Black-tailed Gull, Larus crassirostris, 9/2/95, Tokyo-Kushiro ferry, many. 14/2/95, Kushiro-Tokyo ferry, hundreds. 19/2/95, Ohori-Koen, Hakata, Kyushu, 10+.

Mew Gull (Common Gull), Larus canus kamtschatchensis, 12/2/95, Cape Kirritappu, 10+ on sea-ice outside harbour. 19/2/95, Ohori-Koen, Hakata, Kyushu, 1.

Herring Gull, Larus argentatus, 9/2/95, Tokyo-Kushiro ferry, many. Common around coast of Hokkaido 10-13/2/95. 14/2/95, Kushiro-Tokyo ferry, many.

Slaty-backed Gull, Larus schistisagus, 9/2/95, Tokyo-Kushiro ferry, hundreds. Common around coast of Hokkaido 10-13/2/95. 14/2/95, Kushiro-Tokyo ferry, hundreds. 18/2/95, Izumi to Sendai, Kyushu.

Glaucous-winged Gull, Larus glaucescens, 11/2/95, Rausu Harbour and coast, Hokkaido, many.

Glaucous Gull, Larus hyperboreus, 10/2/95 at Shibetsu, Hokkaido, 2+. 11/2/95, Rausu Harbour and coast, Hokkaido, many. 13/2/95, Kushiro-Tokyo ferry, 5.

Black-legged Kittiwake, Larus tridactylus, 9/2/95, Tokyo-Kushiro ferry, hundreds. 14/2/95, Kushiro-Tokyo ferry, hundreds.

Common Murre, Uria aalge, 13/2/95, Kushiro-Tokyo ferry, 1, plus 1 unidentified murre either Common or Brunnich's Murre.

Brunnich's Murre, Uria lomvia, 11/2/95, Shiretoko Peninsula, Hokkaido, 1 summer plumage.

Ancient Murrelet, Synthliboramphus antiquus, 12/2/95, Cape Nosappu, Hokkaido, 20+. 14/2/95, Kushiro-Tokyo ferry, 2.

Japanese Murrelet, Synthliboramphus wumizusume, 14/2/95, Kushiro-Tokyo ferry, 2 flying close to boat.

Least Auklet, Aethia pusilla, 10/2/95, approaching Kushiro, on ferry, 2. 11/2/95, Shiretoko Peninsula, Hokkaido, 200+. 13/2/95, Kushiro-Tokyo ferry, 4.

Alcids sp., 9/2/95, Tokyo-Kushiro ferry, 1 dark alcid sp. seen in flight possibly Crested Auklet, 7 alcids seen in flight possibly Ancient Murrelets. 14/2/95, Kushiro-Tokyo ferry, 3 dark alcids sp. seen in flight possibly Crested Auklets.

Oriental Turtle Dove (Rufous Turtle Dove), Streptopelia orientalis, many seen daily in Honshu, Hokkaido and Kyushu.

Little Swift, Apus affinis, 20/2/95, near Nagoya, Honshu, 12+ seen from train.

Common Kingfisher, Alcedo atthis, 16-17/2/95, Arasaki, Kyushu, 2+ seen on rivers on each side of Reserve.

Crested Kingfisher, Ceryle lugubris, 18/2/95, Izumi to Sendai, Kyushu, 2 seen from train sitting on telephone lines over small rivers.

Great-spotted Woodpecker, Dendroscopus major, 12/2/95, Furen-ko, Hokkaido, 3 in woods south of route 44 at km 108. 13/2/95, Ito Sanctuary, near Tsurui-mura, Hokkaido, 2.

Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker, Dendroscopus kizuki, 12/2/95, Furen-ko, Hokkaido, 5 in woods south of route 44 at km 108. 17/2/95, Arasaki, Kyushu, 2+ seen in village on north-west edge of Reserve.

Eurasian Skylark, Aluda arvensis, 16-18/2/95, Arasaki, Kyushu, seen daily in small numbers around the Reserve.

Barn Swallow, Hirundo rustica, 16/2/95, Arasaki, Kyushu, 1 feeding over a dyke near the Reserve.

Asian House Martin, Delichon daspyus, 19/2/95, Izumi to Sendai, Kyushu, flock of 6+ seen from train.

Buff-bellied Pipit, Anthus rubescens, 16-18, Arasaki, Kyushu, common around Reserve and surrounding fields. 219/2/95, Zubaijigawa, Hakata, Kyushu, present in fields next to estuary.

Grey Wagtail, Motacilla cinerea, 16/2/95, Arasaki, Kyushu, 2+ seen near river south of Reserve.

Black-backed Wagtail, Motacilla (alba) lugens, many seen daily in Honshu and Kyushu around rivers, estuaries and suburban areas.

Japanese Wagtail, Motacilla grandis, 13/2/95, Tsuruigawa Bridge, near Tsurui-mawa, Hokkaido, 1 giving distinctive buzzing call. Possibly overlooked elsewhere amongst many Black-backed Wagtails.

Brown-eared Bulbul, Hypsipetes amaurotis, seen daily in Honshu, Hokkaido and Kyushu in suburban and rural areas.

Winter Wren, Troglodytes troglodytes, 19/2/95, Ohori-Koen, Hakata, Kyushu, 1.

Red-flanked Bluetail, Tarsigier cyanurus, 17/2/95, Arasaki, Kyushu, 1 female in woods around village on north-west edge of Reserve.

Daurian Redstart, Phoenicurus auroreus, 16/2/95, Arasaki, Kyushu, 1 female near Reserve. 17/2/95, Arasaki, Kyushu, 3+ (2 males) in gardens around village on north-west edge of Reserve.

Brown-headed Thrush (Brown Thrush), Turdus chrysolaus, 8/2/95, near Meiji Shrine, Yoyogi Park, Tokyo, 2 including 1 male.

Pale Thrush, Turdus pallidus, 8/2/95, Yoyogi Park, 5+. 17/2/95, Arasaki, Kyushu, 6 around village on north-west edge of Reserve. 18/2/95, Sendaigawa near Takae, 2+.

Dusky Thrush, Turdus naumanni, seen daily in gardens, parklands and fields in Honshu, Kyushu. Also noted 13/2/95, Ito Sanctuary, near Tsurui-mura, Hokkaido.

Zitting Cisticola (Fan-tailed Warbler), Cisticola juncidis, 17/2/95, Arasaki Reserve, Kyushu, 1.

Long-tailed Tit, Aegithalos caudatus japonicus, 12/2/95, Furen-ko, Hokkaido, 6 of the white-headed race in woods south of route 44 at km 108.

Marsh Tit, Parus palustris, 12/2/95, Furen-ko, Hokkaido, 2 in woods south of route 44 at km 108.

Coal Tit, Parus ater, 12/2/95, Furen-ko, Hokkaido, 2 in woods south of route 44 at km 108.

Great Tit (Japanese Tit), Parus (major) minor, 12/2/95, Furen-ko, Hokkaido, seen daily in Honshu, Hokkaido and Kyushu.

Eurasian Nuthatch, Sitta europea asiatica, 12/2/95, Furen-ko, Hokkaido, 2 in woods south of route 44 at km 108.

Eurasian Treecreeper, Certhia familiaris, 12/2/95, Furen-ko, Hokkaido, 1 in woods south of route 44 at km 108.

Penduline Tit, Remiz pendulinus, 17/2/95, Arasaki Reserve, Kyushu, 6 in reed on north-west edge of Reserve.

Japanese White-eye, Zosterops japonica, 16-17/2/95, Arasaki, Kyushu, common in hedgerows and trees of villages around Reserve. 18/2/95, Sendaigawa near Takae, Kyushu, 2+.

Bull-headed Shrike, Lanius bucephalus, 7/2/95, Tokyo, Honshu, 1 seen from train from Narita airport. Seen daily around Arasaki and elsewhere in Kyushu 16-19/2/95.

Daurian Jackdaw, Corvus dauricus, 17/2/95, Arasaki Reserve, Kyushu, 32 amongst 1000+ Rooks and Carrion Crows. 18/2/95, Araskai, Kyushu, 3+.

Rook, Corvus frugilegus, 16-17/2/95, Arasaki Reserve, Kyushu, present in small numbers around reserve on 16th. On 17th a mixed flock of 1000+ corvids was present, predominantly Rooks and Carrion Crows.

Carrion Crow, Corvus corone, seen in small numbers in Hokkaido, Honshu and Kyushu. At Arasaki on 17/2/95 a huge mixed flock or corvids was present.

Large-billed Crow (Jungle Crow), Corvus macrorhynchos, 7/2/95, Yoyogi Park, Tokyo, 500+, common everywhere in Honshu, Hokkaido and Kyushu throughout trip - perhaps fewer birds in Kyushu.

White-cheeked Starling (Grey Starling), Sturnus cineraceus, 7-8/2/95, Tokyo, Honshu; 16-18/2/95, Arasaki, Kyushu; 18/2/95, Sendaigawa, Kyushu.

Eurasian Tree Sparrow, Passer montanus, common in Honshu, Hokkaido and Kyushu throughout trip (instead of House sparrow - Passer domesticus)

Grey-capped Greenfinch (Oriental Greenfinch), Carduelis sinica, 16-18/2/95, Arasaki, Kyushu, seen daily in small flocks around the Reserve and surrounding countryside.

Japanese Grosbeak, Eophona personata, 17/2/95, Arasaki, Kyushu, 3 in gardens around village on north-west edge of Reserve.

Hawfinch, Coccothraustes coccothraustes, 8/2/95, near Meiji Shrine, Yoyogi Park, Tokyo, 1.

Black-faced Bunting, Emberiza spodocephala, yellow phase seen daily in Honshu and Kyushu in suburban and rural habitats in fields and woods such as Yoyogi Park, Tokyo.

Meadow Bunting, Emberiza cioides, 16-18/2/95, Arasaki, Kyushu, common around fields near the Reserve.

Reed Bunting, Emberiza schoeniclus, 18/2/95, Arasaki Crane Reserve, Kyushu, 2.

More detailed trip-report to follow (eventually..) on request.

Alan Wilkinson, Corporate Design Group, BNR
aw at bnr.co.uk, aw at cityscape.co.uk (home)
My views only, not those of BNR.