New Year, New Birds.

We started the new year with pretty cold weather. In the early hours the 2 lakes in Imazu were frozen and the resident coots were struggling to move on, slipping and sliding with their big feet.

Eurasian Coot, オオバン

But then the time changed and we got a long week of sunny days. Sometimes with a lot of wind. Look at the waves bashing on the rocks off Shikanoshima. The cormorants didn't mind...

Uminonakamichi, 海の中道

The Common Shelducks, ツクシガモ are a regular sight now. Beautiful ducks with their prominent markings. 

So are the Snipes, タシギ, so just a portrait this time. 

female Daurian Redstart, ジョウビタキ

Lady Jo's not giving a damn about the weather. She just puffs herself up and she's fine.

Since I'm reporting on common birds I'd better throw in a Japanese White-eye, メジロ. For good measure.