18 April 2014

Meet the locals #9

Black Browed Reed Warbler

Black Browed Reed Warbler Acrocephalus bistrigiceps




Another species which may not be so well known to birders outside NE Asia.

This is a summer visitor to Hokkaido and usuually arrives in late May, leaving in early September. It is found across east Asia and winters in SE Asia. In Hokkaido it is a common bird in the grasslands and marshes and their song can be heard in many locations around Hakodate. In habits it is similar to the Eurasian Reed Warbler.

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

Black Browed Reed Warbler

They are not shy (unlike the bigger noisier Oriental Reed warblers) and allow a fairly close approach especially in June when they are staking out their territories.

Black Browed Reed Warbler

Black Browed Reed Warbler

They are reliant on long grasses to breed, unfortunately farmers cut the grass back in June/July and I guess some nests must be destroyed as a result. There are still plenty of wild grasslands for them to breed in though..................for now amyway.

Here is a video I made 3 or 4 years ago of one singing just outside Hakodate.

Another Black Browed Reed Warbler from Stuart Price on Vimeo.

This field disappeared and is now part of the new shinkansen line..........................

6 comments:

  1. The photo with the green background is just perfect.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the comment, usually they are atop the tallest bush or reed but that one was low down.

      Delete
  2. Nice photos of these subtle little beasts…. passage migrants here in Hong Kong, of course, and not singing.

    Well done, Sunderland ! (Twice !)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It'll all be for nothing if Liverpool don't beat Norwich tonight John................

      Delete
  3. beautiful birds
    nice song...:)
    Congratulations ...
    www.serkanmutan.com

    ReplyDelete

Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...