Japan in Winter

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Japan in Winter JAPAN IN WINTER JANUARY 19–31, 2019 Red-crowned Crane roost, Setsuri River, Tsurui, Hokkaido - Photo: Arne van Lamoen LEADERS: KAZ SHINODA & ARNE VAN LAMOEN LIST COMPILED BY: ARNE VAN LAMOEN VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS, INC. 2525 WALLINGWOOD DRIVE, SUITE 1003 AUSTIN, TEXAS 78746 WWW.VENTBIRD.COM JAPAN IN WINTER: A CRANE & SEA-EAGLE SPECTACLE! By Arne van Lamoen For a trip as unique as VENT’s “Japan in Winter” tour, it is very difficult to reduce an eleven-day trip into a single, representative highlight. Moreover, to do so would be to eschew a great many other lifetime memories unlikely to be objectively less remarkable. I content myself here to a smattering then, in the interest of brevity, but as is so often the case when describing the beauty and majesty of nature—and birds in particular—mere words will not do these sightings justice. This tour featured several new life birds for even our most seasoned and almost impossibly well-traveled participants, Trent and Meta. I know that for them, the Japanese endemics (and near endemics) such as the Ryukyu Minivet sighted in Kyushu ( Pericrocotus tegimae ) and resident Red-crowned Cranes in Hokkaido ( Grus japonensis ) were among several trip highlights. For others, the inescapable grandeur and majesty of Steller’s Sea-Eagles ( Haliaeetus pelagicus ), both perched on snowy trees and overhead in flight, could not be denied. I count myself among them. Still others were enamored with the rare Baikal Teals ( Sibirionetta formosa ) spotted in a partially iced-over reservoir on Kyushu and the even (globally) rarer Black-faced Spoonbills ( Platalea minor ) and solitary Saunder’s Gull ( Chroicocephalus saundersi ) which we sighted not five minutes apart along the Hi River. And for our most capable guide, Kaz, the unexpected—and unlisted(!)—bonus sighting of a Eurasian Wryneck ( Jynx torquilla ) solicited much excitement and an ear-to-ear smile. Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 2 Japan in Winter, 2019 Steller’s Sea-Eagle, Rausu, Shiretoko UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hokkaido - Photo: Trent Miller Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 3 Japan in Winter, 2019 It is easy to imagine that almost every bird sighted at length and in conducive light conditions could be considered a highlight. That being said, the total number of birds sighted was—especially when compared to countries with a far greater variety of species—quite low, at only 129 species. This number belies several important truths, however; Japan in winter is a place unlike any other and, coupled with birds, offers sights and experiences which transcend ‘mere’ birding and bridge the often difficult to cross gaps of culture, history, and cuisine with unrivaled frequency and success. Here the Yoroshi “Dai-ichi” Onsen—a large, mostly traditional ‘ryokan’ or Japanese inn—comes readily to mind. Where else can you observe at a range of less than ten feet the spectacular Blakiston’s Fish-Owl catching its dinner while luxuriating in a warm, cozy lounge sipping crisp, smooth Japanese sake? As we recounted on the tour, attempting a sighting in the wilds of Siberia, in winter, at night, would be the sort of endeavor a Spartan would have been averse to. Similarly, Japan is a land with a living history, with traditional architecture, ancient religions, and some 21 (and counting) UNESCO World Heritage Sites smattered throughout the islands, one of which is home to the threatened population of Steller’s we visited. As a resident, I am forever at risk of forgetting just how remarkable are the startling differences between a historically isolationist Japan and the world beyond its borders, then and now. I take for granted the fact that every location we visited in Japan was clean to the point of being immaculate, safe to the point of being able to leave expensive optics unattended knowing they will still be there when you get back, and well-organized to the point that even in the most remote of birding locales good food, a toilet with an electrically warmed seat (a favorite among foreign visitors and Japanese alike), and well-mannered, hospitable people are never far away. Moreover, Japan offers its own unique versions of otherwise mundane, even ubiquitous objects such as vending machines, convenience stores, and sake bottles, which defy their lowly stature in their careful design, thoughtful functionality, and proliferous selection. It is always a pleasure to explain the myriad beguiling choices for our stop-and-go roadside lunches, in an attempt to maximize birding time, at convenience stores. More so still is the surprising joy of the participants when they (bravely) try some food combinations they would dismiss as 'unappetizing' at home, only to discover the Japanese really do know what they are doing and having it turn out to be delicious. The same can be said for our often incomprehensibly elaborate formal Japanese meals (properly: feasts!). Alternatively, the expressions of dawning understanding when you are able to explain the vastly different—often opposite—perspective of the Japanese on common problems. I know that on VENT’s Japan in Winter tour the participants get a great deal more than is the aggregate of the species count and pictures of dancing cranes. What you actually get is a glimpse into a world most foreign visitors never see by confining themselves to the bigger cities and the beaten path between Japan’s most famous sightseeing spots. What you get are fantastic, lifelong memories and a desire to come back (or in my case, stay) for as long as possible. Before we return to the matter at hand, I would be remiss were I not to include here a few words of praise for Kaz Shinoda, who—despite making it look utterly effortless—spent countless hours ensuring that every last detail of the trip that could be reasonably accounted for (the whimsical nature of birds Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 4 Japan in Winter, 2019 Whooper Swans, Lake Kussharo, Hokkaido - Photo: Trent Miller and local municipal governments notwithstanding) was planned to precision. Tying together a faultless, three-island, eleven-day itinerary spanning the length of Japan is a feat of professional dedication for which Kaz should be commended with the highest praise words can convey. In addition to being a master of logistics, his birding experience in Japan is all but without equal, and he is able to transition between bird expert, guide, tour operator, cultural attaché, historical scholar, encycopledia Japonica , and friend so smoothly that it is easy to forget how hard that actually is for most. Kaz was a constant source of fascinating information, as well as the lens through which we experienced Japan and its winter birds. His presence, his patience, his composure, and his expertise made what would have been without him simply an excellent trip, a truly fantastic one. Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 5 Japan in Winter, 2019 ITINERARY: Days 1-2 Travel to Tokyo area. January 20-21. Day 2 As the participants were all accounted for prior to the official start of the tour, the ever-popular pre-tour day featured perfect attendance with the exception of one person who was, upon arrival, surreptitiously recalled to the United States for work-related reasons. His absence was regrettable. I myself was also not party to this excursion, as the vehicle was at maximum occupancy. The participants visited the Edosaki Reclaimed Land area; Motono Swan Reserve near Motono Village in Chiba Prefecture; and Inbanuma Marsh. The participants stayed the night at the Narita View Hotel, Narita, Japan. Day 3 From the Narita View Hotel, the tour set off for Choshi port on the far Eastern tip of the Chiba Peninsula where it borders Ibarki Prefecture delineated by the Tone River. Excellent seafood lunch at restaurant 'Shou' ('Reef'). Afternoon stops at Gonoike Reservoir adjacent to Kamisu City Hall; and Ukishima Marsh near mouth of Tono River for harriers, particularly Eastern Marsh Harriers ( Circus spilonotus ). Return to Narita View Hotel in light of construction work at the Kasai Seaside Park precluding use of the regular, in-park hotel. Falcated Duck (male), Gonoike Reservoir, Kamisu, Honshu - Photo: Trent Miller Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 6 Japan in Winter, 2019 Day 4 Post-breakfast birding in Kasai Seaside Park. Mixed forest and wetlands, including a marsh which is a designated bird sanctuary. Seaside area along the Northern edge of Tokyo Bay. Bus to Karuizawa in the Japanese Alps, with a lunch stop at a large roadside service area with a surprisingly good, and filling(!) lunch. Planned stop at Ura-Myogi—literally 'behind Myogi'—referencing Mt. Myogi (1,103m). Night at Shiotsubo Onsen Hotel & Spa in Karuizawa. Baikal Teal (male and female), Chikuma Reservoir, Saku city, Nagano - Photo: Trent Miller Day 5 Brisk, pre-breakfast walk in Karuizawa Wild Bird Forest in search of the endemic and elusive Copper Pheasant ( Syrmaticus soemmerringii ) to no avail. Post-breakfast vigil at bird feeders at hotel and an optional light hike up the trail for views of Mt. Asama and possible Japanese Green Woodpecker (Picus awokera )—another endemic bird, Pallas' Rosefinch ( Carpodacus roseus ), and others. Trails walked were in and along Kose Forest Path. Late morning departure followed by convenience store lunch and brief visit to Chikuma Reservoir, which is part of Tokyo Electric Corp’s reservoir in Saku City in Nagano Prefecture. Night at Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu in Terminal 2 of Haneda Airport, Tokyo. Convenient! Day 6 Morning flight from Haneda to Kagoshima on southern main island of Kyushu. Departing the airport at Kagoshima we visited a small serpentine reservoir near the Sendai Nuclear Power Plant (not to be confused with the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant nearer to the city of Sendai on Honshu) including Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 7 Japan in Winter, 2019 Mandarin Duck sightings and various raptors.
Recommended publications
  • Natural History of Japanese Birds
    Natural History of Japanese Birds Hiroyoshi Higuchi English text translated by Reiko Kurosawa HEIBONSHA 1 Copyright © 2014 by Hiroyoshi Higuchi, Reiko Kurosawa Typeset and designed by: Washisu Design Office Printed in Japan Heibonsha Limited, Publishers 3-29 Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 101-0051 Japan All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without permission in writing from the publisher. The English text can be downloaded from the following website for free. http://www.heibonsha.co.jp/ 2 CONTENTS Chapter 1 The natural environment and birds of Japan 6 Chapter 2 Representative birds of Japan 11 Chapter 3 Abundant varieties of forest birds and water birds 13 Chapter 4 Four seasons of the satoyama 17 Chapter 5 Active life of urban birds 20 Chapter 6 Interesting ecological behavior of birds 24 Chapter 7 Bird migration — from where to where 28 Chapter 8 The present state of Japanese birds and their future 34 3 Natural History of Japanese Birds Preface [BOOK p.3] Japan is a beautiful country. The hills and dales are covered “satoyama”. When horsetail shoots come out and violets and with rich forest green, the river waters run clear and the moun- cherry blossoms bloom in spring, birds begin to sing and get tain ranges in the distance look hazy purple, which perfectly ready for reproduction. Summer visitors also start arriving in fits a Japanese expression of “Sanshi-suimei (purple mountains Japan one after another from the tropical regions to brighten and clear waters)”, describing great natural beauty.
    [Show full text]
  • A 2010 Supplement to Ducks, Geese, and Swans of the World
    University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln Ducks, Geese, and Swans of the World by Paul A. Johnsgard Papers in the Biological Sciences 2010 The World’s Waterfowl in the 21st Century: A 2010 Supplement to Ducks, Geese, and Swans of the World Paul A. Johnsgard University of Nebraska-Lincoln, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/biosciducksgeeseswans Part of the Ornithology Commons Johnsgard, Paul A., "The World’s Waterfowl in the 21st Century: A 2010 Supplement to Ducks, Geese, and Swans of the World" (2010). Ducks, Geese, and Swans of the World by Paul A. Johnsgard. 20. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/biosciducksgeeseswans/20 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Papers in the Biological Sciences at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Ducks, Geese, and Swans of the World by Paul A. Johnsgard by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. The World’s Waterfowl in the 21st Century: A 200 Supplement to Ducks, Geese, and Swans of the World Paul A. Johnsgard Pages xvii–xxiii: recent taxonomic changes, I have revised sev- Introduction to the Family Anatidae eral of the range maps to conform with more current information. For these updates I have Since the 978 publication of my Ducks, Geese relied largely on Kear (2005). and Swans of the World hundreds if not thou- Other important waterfowl books published sands of publications on the Anatidae have since 978 and covering the entire waterfowl appeared, making a comprehensive literature family include an identification guide to the supplement and text updating impossible.
    [Show full text]
  • Changes to Category C of the British List†
    Ibis (2005), 147, 803–820 Blackwell Publishing, Ltd. Changes to Category C of the British List† STEVE P. DUDLEY* British Ornithologists’ Union, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK In its maintenance of the British List, the British Ornithologists’ Union Records Committee (BOURC) is responsible for assigning species to categories to indicate their status on the List. In 1995, the British Ornithologists’ Union (BOU) and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) held a conference on naturalized and introduced birds in Britain (Holmes & Simons 1996). This led to a review of the process of establishment of such species and the terms that best describe their status (Holmes & Stroud 1995) as well as a major review of the categorization of species on the British List (Holmes et al. 1998). The BOURC continues to review the occurrence and establishment of birds of captive origin in Britain. This paper sum- marizes the status of naturalized and introduced birds in Britain and announces changes to the categorization of many on the British List or its associated appendices (Categories D and E): Mute Swan Cygnus olor Categories AC change to AC2 Black Swan Cygnus atratus Category E* – no change Greylag Goose Anser anser Categories ACE* change to AC2C4E* Snow Goose Anser caerulescens Categories AE* change to AC2E* Greater Canada Goose Branta canadensis Categories ACE* change to C2E* Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis Categories AE* change to AC2E* Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus Categories CE* change
    [Show full text]
  • What Makes a Good Alien? Dealing with the Problems of Non-Native Wildfowl Tony (A
    What makes a good alien? Dealing with the problems of non-native wildfowl Tony (A. D.) Fox Mandarin Ducks Aix galericulata Richard Allen ABSTRACT Humans have been introducing species outside their native ranges as a source of food for thousands of years, but introductions of wildfowl have increased dramatically since the 1700s.The most serious consequence of this has been the extinction of endemic forms as a result of hybridisation, although competition between alien and native forms may also contribute to species loss. Globally, non-native wildfowl have yet to cause major disruption to ecosystem functions; introduce new diseases and parasites; cause anything other than local conflicts to agricultural and economic interests; or create major health and safety issues in ways that differ from native forms. The fact that this has not happened is probably simply the result of good fortune, however, since many introduced plants and animals have had huge consequences for ecosystems and human populations.The potential cost of greater environmental and economic damage, species extinction, and threats to the genetic and species diversity of native faunas means that we must do all we can to stop the deliberate or accidental introduction of species outside their natural range. International legislation to ensure this is remarkably good, but domestic law is generally weak, as is the political will to enforce such regulations.The case of the Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis in Europe will show whether control of a problem taxon can be achieved and underlines the financial consequences of dealing with introduced aliens.This paper was originally presented as the 58th Bernard Tucker Memorial Lecture to the Oxford Ornithological Society and the Ashmolean Natural History Society, in November 2008.
    [Show full text]
  • Egg Recognition in Cinereous Tits (Parus Cinereus): Eggshell Spots Matter Jianping Liu1 , Canchao Yang1 , Jiangping Yu2,3 , Haitao Wang2,4 and Wei Liang1*
    Liu et al. Avian Res (2019) 10:37 https://doi.org/10.1186/s40657-019-0178-1 Avian Research RESEARCH Open Access Egg recognition in Cinereous Tits (Parus cinereus): eggshell spots matter Jianping Liu1 , Canchao Yang1 , Jiangping Yu2,3 , Haitao Wang2,4 and Wei Liang1* Abstract Background: Brood parasitic birds such as cuckoos (Cuculus spp.) can reduce their host’s reproductive success. Such selection pressure on the hosts has driven the evolution of defense behaviors such as egg rejection against cuckoo parasitism. Studies have shown that Cinereous Tits (Parus cinereus) in China have a good ability for recognizing foreign eggs. However, it is unclear whether egg spots play a role in egg recognition. The aims of our study were to inves- tigate the egg recognition ability of two Cinereous Tit populations in China and to explore the role of spots in egg recognition. Methods: To test the efect of eggshell spots on egg recognition, pure white eggs of the White-rumped Munia (Lon- chura striata) and eggs of White-rumped Munia painted with red brown spots were used to simulate experimental parasitism. Results: Egg experiments showed that Cinereous Tits rejected 51.5% of pure white eggs of the White-rumped Munia, but only 14.3% of spotted eggs of the White-rumped Munia. There was a signifcant diference in egg recognition and rejection rate between the two egg types. Conclusions: We conclude that eggshell spots on Cinereous Tit eggs had a signaling function and may be essential to tits for recognizing and rejecting parasitic eggs. Keywords: Brood parasitism, Egg recognition, Egg rejection, Eggshell spots, Parus cinereus Background egg rejection by hosts, many parasitic birds evolve coun- Te mutual adaptations and counter-defense strategies ter-adaptations to overcome the hosts’ defenses by laying between brood parasitic birds such as cuckoos (Cuculus mimicking (Brooke and Davies 1988; Avilés et al.
    [Show full text]
  • Alarm Calls Evoke a Visual Search Image of a Predator in Birds
    Alarm calls evoke a visual search image of a predator in birds Toshitaka N. Suzukia,b,1 aCenter for Ecological Research, Kyoto University, Otsu, 520-2113 Shiga, Japan; and bDepartment of Evolutionary Studies of Biosystems, Graduate University for Advanced Studies, Hayama, 240-0193 Kanagawa, Japan Edited by Asif A. Ghazanfar, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, and accepted by Editorial Board Member Marlene Behrmann December 29, 2017 (received for review October 30, 2017) One of the core features of human speech is that words cause including avian and mammalian predators (13) (Fig. 1B). In re- listeners to retrieve corresponding visual mental images. How- sponse to these general alarm calls, receivers approach the sound ever, whether vocalizations similarly evoke mental images in source and scan the surroundings (17), but do not show any animal communication systems is surprisingly unknown. Japanese specific behaviors to defend themselves against snakes (15, 16). tits (Parus minor) produce specific alarm calls when and only when Based on these previous studies, I hypothesized that snake- encountering a predatory snake. Here, I show that simply hearing specific alarm calls evoke a visual search image of a snake in tits. these calls causes tits to become more visually perceptive to ob- A key prediction of this hypothesis is that receivers are primed to jects resembling snakes. During playback of snake-specific alarm detect snakes when hearing snake-specific alarm calls. However, calls, tits approach a wooden stick being moved in a snake-like to provide evidence for visual mental imagery, individuals should fashion. However, tits do not respond to the same stick when be primed to detect snakes even in the absence of real snakes, ’ hearing other call types or if the stick s movement is dissimilar since simply seeing a snake may directly trigger its mental image to that of a snake.
    [Show full text]
  • Hooded and Carrion Crows to Be Members of the Same Species
    ADVICE The conservation and legal status of the hooded crow in England 1. Background and legal status 1.1 Until 2002, hooded crow and carrion crow were considered to be separate races (sub-species) of the same species Corvus corone. Hooded crow and carrion crow were listed separately in the second schedule of the Protection of Birds Act (1954) which allowed both forms to be killed. Corvus corone (with the common name ‘Crow’) was included in Schedule 2 Part II of the Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981). This listed birds which could be killed or taken by authorised persons at all times and was colloquially referred to as the ‘pest bird’ list. Covus corone and all other species were removed from Schedule 2 Part II in 1993. Corvus corone (‘Crow’) was subsequently included on several general licences when these replaced Schedule 2 Part II as a mechanism for authorising control of named species in certain circumstances and under specified conditions. As sub-species of Corvus corone both hooded crow and carrion crow could be controlled under these licences. 1.2 Following a full review of the latest evidence, the British Ornithologists’ Union (BOU) recommended in 2002 that carrion crow and hooded crow be treated as separate species, Corvus corone and C. cornix respectively (Knox et al. 2002; Parkin et al. 2003). Following this taxonomic recommendation, both species were admitted to the official BOU list of British birds. 1.3 Since 2002, the general licences for England have continued to list Corvus corone (common name ‘Crow’). Due to the taxonomic change this has had the effect of limiting use of the licences to control of the carrion crow, which is the only form of the crow now regarded as Corvus corone.
    [Show full text]
  • Crow Threat to Raptors?
    PIED pirates CROW THREAT TO RAPTORS? There has been much debate about the effects on biodiversity of increasing Pied Crow and other corvid populations in Africa, but little has been quantified. It is evident from the latest bird atlas data that there are now more Pied Crows in southern Africa than there were a decade ago and that the species has spread into areas of the Karoo where it did not occur previously. But what effect is this having on other bird species? TEXT BY ROB SIMMONS & PHOEBE BARNARD ALBERT FRONEMAN arious reports indicate that one a Rock Kestrel and another a Southern crows are impacting negatively Pale Chanting Goshawk, all of which were on other creatures in their en- carrying mice in their talons. Prey-carrying vironment. Farmers complain raptors are usually provisioning dependent aboutV increasing predation by ‘crows’ on females or nestlings, so piracy affects more lambing ewes, birders suggest that more at- than simply the bird with the food. tacks are occurring on passerine birds, and The following three incidents serve to conservationists and members of the pub- highlight the modus operandi of the crows. lic report greater numbers of crows killing We then investigated other parts of Africa small tortoises. However, almost nothing to determine if piracy targeting raptors is has been quantified as to the level of such limited to western South Africa as a zone predation, the magnitude of the upsurge of Pied Crow range expansion or is a more in crow interactions and the effect on the widespread strategy. species being attacked. We do not yet have In the West Coast National Park in such data, but we do take a first look at 2008, our attention was drawn to a Black- what may be an increasing and somewhat shouldered Kite that was calling from a surprising addition to the negative effects height of over 150 metres and circling up- of crows – those on birds of prey.
    [Show full text]
  • Diving Ducks Wildlife Note
    Diving Ducks Pennsylvania ducks may be grouped into two types: diving ducks and dabbling or puddle ducks. Diving ducks often spend much more of their time farther out from shore than puddle ducks. Both groups can be found on streams, rivers, lakes and marshes. This note covers 15 species commonly called diving ducks. redhead Diving ducks eat seeds and other parts of aquatic plants, form monogamous pairs that last until the female begins fish, insects, mollusks, crustaceans and other invertebrates. incubating eggs; then, the male leaves the area and usually They dive underwater to obtain much of their food. They joins a band of other males. have large broad feet, fully webbed and with strongly lobed hind toes, that act as paddles. Their legs are spaced Nesting habits and habitats vary from species to species. widely apart and located well back on the body, improving Generally, female diving ducks lay 5 to 15 eggs in diving efficiency but limiting agility on land. Their bodies vegetation, tree cavities, or rock crevices over or near the are compact, and their wings have relatively small surface water. Because females do not start incubating a clutch areas; noticeably more narrow than puddle ducks. While until they lay their last egg, young develop simultaneously this arrangement helps their diving and swimming, it and all hatch at about the same time. hinders their ability to become airborne. Instead of Ducklings are covered with down, patterned with shades springing straight out of the water into flight, as puddle of yellow or brown to break up their body outlines.
    [Show full text]
  • Jackdaws Reach the New World
    MI(• r•.•rlON AND r, •"1 r.I.iBu Jackdaws reach the New World The first specimenrecord for North America with notesconcerning the birds' probable origin P. William Smith OMETIME IN EARLY March or April, I984, ChristopherBlane, a young residentof Block Island, Rhode Island, realized that while he was huntingcrows on local agriculturalland he had shot a small corvid with a gray nape.He wasintrigued with the bird and took it to the island's formidable orni- thologist,Merrill Slate. Slate, after con- sultingvarious bird books, felt that the bird was most certainly a [Eurasian] Jackdaw, Corvus monedula. He froze the specimen awaiting corroboration,but withoutnoting the date.On May 5, 1984, EliseLapham, a birderand bird bander of longexperience, arrived on BlockIsland and was shownthe specimensoon there- after. Shewas told thatthe specimenwas about a month old. She, too, was of the opinionthat the bird wasa Jackdaw.The bird wastaken from the islandby Richard Bowenand the specimenwas eventually acquiredby Duncan Evered and P. W. Smith (the author), both of whom con- firmed it as Corvus monedula. The specimenwas prepared as a study skinby M. McClellanthrough the courte- sy of the MassachusettsAudubon Soci- ety. After thawing, this male Jackdaw (testes approximately 3 x 5 mm), weighed250.5 g. Its wing chord mea- sured 235 min. It did have some subcuta- neousfat. The studyskin measured336 mm (tail 140 mm, flattenedwing 228 mm); the tarsallength was 44 mm, and the culmen24.3 min. from nostrilto tip. The specimenis now in the bird collec- tionof theMuseum of ComparativeZoo- logy at Harvard University as Number 331,728.
    [Show full text]
  • Japan in Winter January 13–25, 2018
    JAPAN IN WINTER JANUARY 13–25, 2018 Japanese (Red-crowned) Cranes dancing. Photo: S. Hilty LEADERS: KAZ SHINODA & STEVE HILTY with KOJI NIIYA one morning on HOKKAIDO LIST COMPILED BY: STEVE HILTY VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS, INC. 2525 WALLINGWOOD DRIVE, SUITE 1003 AUSTIN, TEXAS 78746 WWW.VENTBIRD.COM JAPAN IN WINTER: A CRANE & SEA-EAGLE SPECTACLE! By Steve Hilty One of the top highlights mentioned by most members of the group was a Ural Owl sleeping in a large, picturesque tree hollow. It was, in fact, an image that could have been plucked straight from an illustrated book of fairy tales from the Middle Ages. A male Eurasian Bullfinch in beautiful morning light also garnered top honors and, surprisingly, so did the diminutive Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker. For several of us, a large flock of Rooks eluding repeated prey- capture attempts by a Peregrine Falcon (the Rooks being more capable and wily than they might appear) over a large expanse of rice paddies was a trip highlight. Also prized were more than a dozen Stellar’s and White-tailed sea-eagles perched on a forested Hokkaido hillside during a snowstorm. The arrival of a Blakiston’s Fish-Owl at a small pool resulted in a mass exodus from our rather sedate and stylized Japanese dinner. And yes, then there were the Japanese Cranes, lumps of black and white fluff standing in a frigid river as steamy mists from the thermally- heated river water rose around them—a surreal and unforgettable setting. Surprisingly, perhaps, the Mandarin Ducks received not a single nod at the end—perhaps because they were a little distant—although they generated much excitement the morning we saw them, and the image of a stately pair cruising steadily across a mirror-smooth lake in early morning light, their narrow wake line trailing behind, will not likely be forgotten.
    [Show full text]
  • Alpha Codes for 2168 Bird Species (And 113 Non-Species Taxa) in Accordance with the 62Nd AOU Supplement (2021), Sorted Taxonomically
    Four-letter (English Name) and Six-letter (Scientific Name) Alpha Codes for 2168 Bird Species (and 113 Non-Species Taxa) in accordance with the 62nd AOU Supplement (2021), sorted taxonomically Prepared by Peter Pyle and David F. DeSante The Institute for Bird Populations www.birdpop.org ENGLISH NAME 4-LETTER CODE SCIENTIFIC NAME 6-LETTER CODE Highland Tinamou HITI Nothocercus bonapartei NOTBON Great Tinamou GRTI Tinamus major TINMAJ Little Tinamou LITI Crypturellus soui CRYSOU Thicket Tinamou THTI Crypturellus cinnamomeus CRYCIN Slaty-breasted Tinamou SBTI Crypturellus boucardi CRYBOU Choco Tinamou CHTI Crypturellus kerriae CRYKER White-faced Whistling-Duck WFWD Dendrocygna viduata DENVID Black-bellied Whistling-Duck BBWD Dendrocygna autumnalis DENAUT West Indian Whistling-Duck WIWD Dendrocygna arborea DENARB Fulvous Whistling-Duck FUWD Dendrocygna bicolor DENBIC Emperor Goose EMGO Anser canagicus ANSCAN Snow Goose SNGO Anser caerulescens ANSCAE + Lesser Snow Goose White-morph LSGW Anser caerulescens caerulescens ANSCCA + Lesser Snow Goose Intermediate-morph LSGI Anser caerulescens caerulescens ANSCCA + Lesser Snow Goose Blue-morph LSGB Anser caerulescens caerulescens ANSCCA + Greater Snow Goose White-morph GSGW Anser caerulescens atlantica ANSCAT + Greater Snow Goose Intermediate-morph GSGI Anser caerulescens atlantica ANSCAT + Greater Snow Goose Blue-morph GSGB Anser caerulescens atlantica ANSCAT + Snow X Ross's Goose Hybrid SRGH Anser caerulescens x rossii ANSCAR + Snow/Ross's Goose SRGO Anser caerulescens/rossii ANSCRO Ross's Goose
    [Show full text]