Looking for red 3

Yes, there it was, the Amur Falcon. Sitting on the electrical wiring, taking it's time preening, stretching wings, ruffling feathers. I had seen the bird before, but I had never been able to take any photos, so I went over the top.
As usual...

A young bird it seems. Maybe female, much darker than the common Kestrel. The legs and face markings have a rusty orange color, giving it the Japanese name Red-legged Falcon.

I'd love to see it in spring, in breeding colors, when they are really red. Next year maybe...

The sun broke through...

Then there was number 2, flying by, landing on another piece of wire.

One more Amur Falcon, アカアシチョウゲンボウ a little more mature it seems 

What a great day!  Good for some sunflowers.

Looking for red 2

Missing out on the Amur Falcons in Imazu was a big disappointment. I decided to travel south in further pursuit and rove to Isahaya in the Nagasaki prefecture. After getting everything packed in the car I had a short sleep and left at 3:00 am. Driving on the deserted highways with the music system full on I got there in a high and enjoyed the sunrise

My welcoming committee of white egrets.

No wind and a little chilly, perfect start of the day.

Common Snipe, タシギ

I found several of the "usual" birds at there "usual" spots...

Common Kingfisher, カワセミ

...and several Kestrels on the hunt

Eurasian Kestrel, チョウゲンボウ

One pair of near-red legs:  Black Stork, ナベコウ

And a very cooperative Stonechat, ノビタキ on the Golden Rod, セイタカアワダチソウ

Tomyo lanterns in Hakata

A yearly event in October, just 1 night. Most lanterns are on the ground so for low angle shooting it means: Very painful knees the next day! I visited 3 temples this time, Shofuku-ji, Shoten-ji and Tocho-ji. Kusuda jinja will have to wait till next year.

Children having a go at the soap bubbles

Many people dressed up in kimono

楽しかった

Nokonoshima, 能古島

On the way to work:  Persimmon, 柿

Cosmos, コスモス

Common Stonechat, ノビタキ

Noko nobi, won't you pose on the cosmos for me?

This couple of 83 and 85 grow their own rice and vegetables. They told me they used to fish as well.

元気がいい！

Daurian Redstart, ジョウビタキ The first 2 of the season

Bull-headed Shrikes, モズ　Everywhere!!

Grey-streaked Flycatcher, エゾビタキ,  just 1

At school: turn left turn right

 The last Greenbottle of the year ...?                            My best friend Yuki