Two sunny days in the first week of March brought out some local birds and winter visitors.
March 2 – Moriyama City
On March 2, 2020, I rode a bicycle to Hatonomori Park in Moriyama City (滋賀県 守山市 鳩の森公園). On the way I saw many greenfinches, buntings, and other small birds in bushes along Yasugawa (野洲川).
Along with the usual turtle-doves, I saw an olive-backed pipit and a daurian redstart in the park.
Eastern spot-billed ducks were resting at the lower pond as usual.
As I was watching the ducks, a common kingfisher appeared with a fish in her mouth.
March 7 – Ritto City
On March 7th I took a 4.5 kilometer walk through nearby neighborhoods and fields to Yasugawa (野洲川). On the way birds appeared in several locations. Some seemed to prefer sunshine, while others remained in shade.
Bushes and susuki grass along the Yasugawa (野洲川) riverbank shelter many small birds, especially meadow buntings.
As spring approaches, more egrets, cormorants, and herons begin to appear at the river.
See more photos in my Flickr photostream or one of my albums.