A juvenile Hooded Crane at yakumo this afternoon.
A very friendly local birder (who we often see in Yakumo) had crossed our path earlier in the day and then very kindly chased after us to tell us of this Hokkaido rarity and then showed us exactly where it was. Thank you again.....................
It was obviously a staggler from the large wintering flock in Kyushu but this is a pretty scarce bird in Hokkaido and my 3rd lifer in the last 4 weeks (all in Yakumo too). Last winter a Common Crane visited this exact same stretch of beach (I missed it though)..................
It was fairly approachable although it looked a bit lost on a tatty part of the coast behind a fish factory with lots of salmon fishermen lined up either side...............
The kittiwakes had all gone, most of the other stuff was still around but not many pics. I'd hoped the kingfishers would pose for the camera but all I got from them as they flitted about was the knowledge that I need a monpod head to go with the monopod. Upsteam we saw the first eagles of the season (at least 3 White Taileds).
At Omuma the Mugimaki Flycatchers were around this morning (when it was shady) but had gone by the afternoon (when it was sunny). Other stuff today included Goshawk, Great Egret, 7 species of gull, Goldeneye, Scaup, Black Necked and Great Crested Grebe, Great Egret, 4 species of woodpecker including Black, Brown Dipper, Japanese Grosbeak and Whooper Swan.
Thanks for clicking this link.......
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Congratulations on another lifer, and some interesting shots of the Crane. A monopod head is probably a good idea!
ReplyDeleteThe head will be more expensive than the monopod!
DeleteHI These are all wonderful shots of this lovely Hooded Crane. I have never seen one.
ReplyDeleteIt was my first too..............
DeleteExcellent bird and beautiful pictures, Stu. Also I learned on my trip to Cape York last year that it's good to have quick release to go with the head as well. I had the monopod and head but kicked myself when I was under a tree with a Red Goshawk flying directly over me and I couldn't lift the lens up without harpooning the guy in front of me. Go for Gitzo. I did.
ReplyDeleteI thought about Gitzo but I got a Benro monopod a while ago, I'll get a Kirk head I think. Money is a bit tight after the big lens purchase!
DeleteAnother lifer ! They've heard you've got the new lens, obviously. I'll swap you the Hooded Crane for a couple of Temminck's Stints !
ReplyDeleteTemincks Stint is a bit of a bogey species for me, aliong with Sharp Tailed Sandpiper.............
DeleteThese and the Mugimakis are great - there is a smoothness and vibrancy with the new glass - you are going to have fun this winter.
ReplyDeleteThanks Stuart, yes I'm looking forward to this winter a lot.................
DeleteVery cute looking Hooded Crane and you've captured so many great shots of it. Maybe you should try visiting Kagoshima too. There you'll find thousands more of this!
ReplyDeleteHi Ayuwat, it's on the list of places to go...................
ReplyDelete