In and around Tsukuba in Ibaraki-ken

Some bird observations by Fer-Jan de Vries.

Since July 1 1996, I live in Tsukuba, a rather new city with many research institutes some 50 kilometer north-east of Tokyo. For a nice map featuring relevant birding spot of the surrounding prefecture Ibaraki, click here. In this list I collect my observations from all over Ibaraki prefecture.

The area around Tsukuba is rather flat, but for Tsukuba-san, the mountain some 20 km north of the city. The soil seems to consist of sand, mainly, still it allows for some rice farming, a different dry species. Some 6km to the east there is a large lake, Kasumigaura. It used to be directly connected to the Pacific via the Hitachi-tone river. Sluices built in the sixties blocked this entirely. In winter time it is splendid lake for thousands of waterbirds, it is a pity that boatracing is allowed. For instance, the site near Edosaki which is recognised as a place where Bean geese winter is also a site for the motorboat lovers. Given the efforts that the prefectural goverment makes to clean and improve the lake, I would recommend to restrict the motor boats to only certain areas of the lake. Waterbirds need a quiet place. Hunting should be restricted as well... The lake has sufficiently value to be worth to protect it!

The coastline of Ibaraki consists mainly of sandbeaches, but for two rocky outcrops: the coast along Mito (Oarai and Nakaminato) and Choosi. North of Mito are two swan ponds, Kotoku-numa and the pond in Naka-town. South of Mito is the beautiful lake Hinuma.

West and south from Tsukuba there are a number of big rivers: the Kokaigawa and the Tonegawa.

Starting from July 1, 1996 until now.

  1. Great Crested grebe Podiceps cristatus [Kanmuri-kaituburi]
    • A few, Edosaki coast of Kasumigaura, November 24, 96.
    • 20 ex Hinuma-ko, Januari 4, 1997.
    • At least 10, Edosaki coast of Kasumigaura, Februari 23, 97. 3 ex, Tozaki, April 6, 97.
    • Hinuma, Sun Feb 28 1999: at least 15 ex of which at least 8 in summer plumage.
  2. Horned grebe Podiceps auritus [Mimi-kaitsuburi]
    • 1 ex, lake of Mito, December 16, 96. 5 ex Hinuma-ko, Januari 4, 1997. 1 ex, Edosaki coast of Kasumigaura, Januari 12, 97.
  3. Eared grebe Podiceps nigricollis [Hajiro-kaitsuburi]
    • 1 ex, Edosaki coast of Kasumigaura, November 24, 96. 40 ex Hinuma-ko, Januari 4, 1997. 12 ex, Edosaki coast of Kasumigaura, Januari 12, 97. April 12, Tozaki. April 13, Tozaki and Edosaki. In total at least 30.
    • harbor of Oarai: Sun Feb 28 1999: 6 ex, two of which in summerplumage.
  4. Little grebe Podiceps ruficollis [Kaitsuburi]
    • A few, Kasumigaura, August 3, 96. Several at Ottonuma, November, December. Group of 24 ex, Edosaki coast of Kasumigaura, Januari 12, 1997: some getting a red head already... At least 10, Edosaki coast of Kasumigaura, Februari 23, 97, March 9: 2 compact groups: 25 and 40 ex. near Edosaki. First time I see such groups, perhaps they sought shelter for the high waves on Kasumigaura. At most 10 ex, Tozaki, April 6, 97. More little groups on April 26 and 27, when there were hardly any waves. 1 ex Edosaki, May 5, 97. Ottonuma, November 9, 1 ex. 1 ex along the south river from Tsukuba to Kasumigaura, Dec 28, 97.
  5. Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo [Kawa-u]
    • several ex, Edosaki coast of Kasumigaura, November 24, 96. Idem, januari 12, 97. Idem, Feb 23, 97. 1 ex, Tozaki, April 6, 97. April 12, Tozaki: 1 ex. April 13, Edosaki: 2 ex. Ottonuma, Dec 30, 98: 1 ex swimming and diving.
  6. Temminck's cormorant Phalacrocorax filamentosus [Umi-u]
    • Seacoast near Mito, March 1, 97.
  7. Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus [Garanchou]
    • Hinuma, Januari 9, 1999
    • Hinuma, Sun Feb 28 1999
  8. Mute swan Cygnus olor [Kobu-hakuchoo]
    • 3 ex on Kokaigawa on Dec 13, 1997. 1 ex. Tsukuba, Feb 4, 1998.
  9. Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus [Ou-hakuchou]
    • Some 100 ex. Kotoku-numa, March 1, 97.
  10. Whistling (Bewick) Swan Cygnus columbianus jankowskii [Ko-hakuchou]
    • 7 ex, Otto-numa December 3, 1996. Their arrival follows heavy snow in the north of Japan, this weekend and Monday December 2, 96.
    • Half December the total increased to 12.
    • Februari 2: 1 ex seen in the evening on the pond of Doho-koen. Subsequent days: up to two ex visit the pond in the late evening.
    • Feb 28, 97 seems to have been the day of departure from Ottonuma. Incorrect assumption: March 1 no swans, but at March 7 again 4 swans were present.
    • No swans at March 22.
    • Ottonuma, November 21, 97: 3 adult and 1 juvenile.
    • Not present at November 23, according to Ikenaga-san.
    • Not present at Dec 12. December 27, 1997: 4 adult and 5 juveniles.
    • Jan, Feb 98: on some evenings the whole Ottonuma group of 22 ex is feeding in Douhou-koen.
    • Feb 12: 1 ex during day time on Douhou-koen.
    • Feb 7: maximum number of 36 swans at Ottonuma.
    • Ottonuma, December 30, 98: swan arrived late in December; only 7 individuals at first.
    • 5 birds early Januari.
    • No birds at Januari 23, 99.
  11. Bean goose Anser fabalis middendorffi [O-hishikui]
    • 75 ex on a dry, stubbled ricefield west of the Onogawa in Edosaki, 1 km south of route 125. Rather large bean goose. Low voice, a bit like Greylag. Long dark neck and long bill. Orange feet, and an orange band near tip of otherwise black bill. Some with thin white line between bill and head (like Swan goose). Undisturbed by nearby farmers burning the weeds in the irrigation channels. Picture in Birds of Japan is awfull. See Waterbirds of Asia for better picture! The geese seem to be in perfect condition with rather heavy low bellies. The geese are protected against hunting only in a small area along the Onogawa river. In 94,95,96 their arrival seems to have been on November 13. Katsumi Uetake-san from Choshi also told me that last month the group was accompagnied by 6 White-fronted geese.
    • Idem March 1, 97 and March 9, 97. No geese at March 22, 1997. Since about November 7 a group of more than 60 ex is present again at the wintergrounds in Edosaki, according to Fukuda-san.
  12. Mallard Anas Platyrhynchos [Ma-gamo]
    • October, a few.
    • November 28, a few at Otto-numa.
    • Several 10's at Edosaki-coast, Feb 23, 97.
    • Several 100's at Edosaki-coast, March 9, 97.
    • April 12 97, Edosaki: 4 ex.
    • Ottonuma, November 9 97, a few.
    • Doho-koen October 21, 98: 1 ex.
  13. Spot-billed duck Anas poecilorhyncha [Karu-gamo]
    • A few, Kasumigaura, August 3, 96. Present in September and October as well. Not the first three weeks of November. Last week of November.
    • Several 100's at Edosaki-coast, Feb 23, 97.
    • Several 10's at Edosaki-coast, March 9, 97.
    • 4 ex, Tozaki, April 6, 97.
    • April 12, Tozaki: 2 ex.
    • April 13, Tozaki: 2 ex.
    • May 3-5: many pairs in the freshly planted ricefields.
    • I did not see them during Spring and early summer on the pond of Doho-koen, but a group of 22 ex was there on my return from Europe, Sept. 6 1998.
    • Doho-koen Sept 31 98, after a very wet period about 100 ex.
    • Doho-koen Oct 1, 98, only a handful, but weather is very sunny.
    • Doho-koen October 21, 98: 25 ex.
    • Doho-koen, First 10 days of Januari 1999: the pond is covered by thin ice layer and visited by about 110 Spot-bills. A very few seem to have an orange brown breast.
  14. Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata [Hashibiro-gamo]
    • November 13, 2 males. November 28,120 ex at Otto-numa. Several 10's at Edosaki-coast, Feb 23, 97. Several 100's at Edosaki-coast, March 9, 97. Still some 100's ex at Ottonuma, March 22, 97. Some 10's ex at Ottonuma, April 5, 97. April 12, Edosaki: several. April 13, Edosaki: 1 ex. 6 ex Edosaki, May 5, 97. Ottonuma, November 9, >10. November 12, 97: 1 male at Doho-koen.
  15. Green-winged Teal Anas crecca crecca [Ko-gamo]
    • November 13. 2 ex. Ice in the second week of Januari 97 revealed that some 50 teals had been hiding in the reedbed. Januari, Kasumigaura: at least 400. Several 10's at Edosaki-coast, Feb 23, 97. Several 100's at Edosaki-coast, March 9, 97. Several 10's at Tozaki, April 6, 97. April 12, Tozaki (110), Edosaki (20). April 13, Tozaki (80), Edosaki (at least 200). O-ike, 27 April, 97. November 12, 97: 2 female at Doho-koen. Ottonuma, 1 ex December 27, 1997. September 17 98(?) 2 ex.
    • Doho-koen. First ten days of Januari 1999: pond is partially covered by thin layer of ice. Up to 30 Green winged Teal visit the pond. usaually sitting on the open ice.
  16. American Green-winged Teal Anas crecca carolinensis [Ko-gamo]
    • Kasumigaura, Januari 12, 97: one male. Rather bright vertical stripes. On the same spot (coastline just east of the burned house), December 28, 97 again one male. On the lake were between 3000 - 4000 Green-winged teal present. Dohou-koen, Januari 30, 98: one male between 12 normal Green-winged Teals.
    • Sun Feb 28 1999: 1 male at Hinuma.
  17. Baikal Teal Anas formosa [Tomoe-gamo]
    • 1 male (winter plumage has all the colors but is rather pale) Kotokunuma, Jan 2, 1998. 2 males at Ottonuma at Jan 10 (and apparently there were 5 male and 5 female on Shishitsuka-oike the same day!) 1 male at Tsuchiura side of Kasumigaura on Jan 17. 1 male at Ottonuma at Feb 3, 1998.
  18. Falcated Teal Anas falcata [Yoshi-gamo]
    • About 26 ex Otto-numa, November 28-30, 96.
    • Januari, Kasumigaura: at least 100.
    • At least 240 at Edosaki-coast, Feb 23, 97.
    • About 80 ex Ottonuma, March 7, 97.
    • 1 male in an artificial lake on the NW flank of Tsukuba-san, March 8, 97.
    • Several 10's at Edosaki-coast,
    • March 9, 97. 10 left at Ottonuma,
    • March 22, 97.
    • No birds at Ottonuma, April 5, 97.
    • April 12, Tozaki 1 ex.
    • Ottonuma, November 9, at least 10 ex.
    • December 12, 97: at least 35.
    • Januari 7, 1999: 1 male Falcated Teal at Doho-koen pond.
    • Januari 23, 99: handfull at Ottonuma, but at least 200 at Kasumigaura.
  19. Gadwall Anas strepera [Okayoshi-gamo]
    • Doho-park, November 19, 96.
    • Otto-numa, November 28, 25 ex.
    • Several 10's at Edosaki-coast, Feb 23, 97.
    • Ottonuma, November 9, at least 6.
    • Ottonuma, October 12, 1998, 2 ex.
    • Doho-koen, Januari 14, 1999, 1 male.
  20. Northern Pintail Anas acuta [Onaga-gamo]
    • Doho-park, November 4, 96.
    • The whole month November. A few at Otto-numa. Steadily increasing: 50 or so at Doho-koen in December - Januari. Still there in Februari. They don't sleep in the water.
    • Several 1's at Edosaki-coast, March 1, 97.
    • Otctober 15 in Doho-koen: 3 pintails. 1 female and two eclips males.
    • December about 35 ex in Doho-koen.
    • Ottonuma, 28 Dec 1997, 3 ex.
    • October 15, 98: 8 ex in Doho-koen.
    • Doho-koen October 21, 98: 20 ex.
    • Doho-koen: first 10 days of Januari 1999: pond is partially frozen about 20 Pintails remain, often onshore.
  21. Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope [Hidori-gamo]
    • About 20 ex Otto-numa, November 28, 96. Idem Dec 96, Jan and Feb 97.
    • Kotoku-numa, March 1, 97.
    • Several 10's at Edosaki-coast, March 9, 97.
    • April 12, Edosaki, 1 ex.
    • First two weeks of November 97: 3 female at Doho-koen.
    • Ottonuma, November 9, >50. Several hybrids with American wigeon.
    • Ottonyuma, October 8, 1998: 12 ex.
  22. Eurasian x American Wigeon Anas penelope x americana [Hidori x Amerika hidori-gamo]
    • Kotoku-numa, March 1, 97. Male: green eyestripe, pale yellow crown, pinkish-brown breast and sides.
  23. Pochard Aythya ferina [Hoshi-hajiro]
    • Doho-park, October 9, 96.
    • Not in November in Doho-park.
    • 28 November 2 ex Otto-numa.
    • 1 at Edosaki-coast, Feb 23, 97.
    • Several 10's at Edosaki-coast, March 9, 97. April 13, Edosaki, 1 ex.
    • Doho-koen October 21, 98: 20 ex.
  24. Common goldeneye Bucephala clangula [Hojiro-gamo]
    • Several at Edosaki-coast, Feb 23, 97. Hinuma-ko, March 1, 97.
  25. Bufflehead Bucephala albeola [Hime-hajiro]
    • Hinuma, Januari 2, 1999
    • Hinuma, Sun Feb 28 1999: smae male.
  26. Tufted duck Aythya fuligula [Kinkuro-hajiro]
    • Doho-park, November 26, 96, 12 ex. Januari, Kasumigaura: at least 800. Several 10's at Edosaki-coast, Feb 23, 97.
  27. Greater scaup Aythya marila [Suzu-gamo]
    • December 10, 1995, Tozaki-side of Kasumigaura, few.
    • March 1, 97, Hinuma-ko.
    • April 13, 97, Tozaki-side of Kasumigaura, 1 ex.
    • Januari 17, 98, Tsuchiura side of Kasumigaura: 1 ex
    • October 4, 98: Ami-side of Kasumigaura, 130 ex.
    • October 6, 98, Doho-koen: 1 ex.
  28. Harlequin duck Histronicus histronicus [Shinori-gamo]
    • Seacoast of Mito, March 1, 97.
  29. Smew Mergus albellus [Miko-aisa]
    • Doho-park, 1 female or male eclipse. November 18, 96. Januari, Kasumigaura: at least 200. Less than 10 seen at Edosaki-coast, Feb 23, 97. Dec 12, 97; Dec 27, 97; Jan 22, 98; Jan 26, 98: 1 female at Ottonuma. Dec 98: 1 male.
    • 3-5 female, Shishitsuka-oike, Januari 18, 99.
    • At least 40 individuals at Kasumigaura, Januari 23, 1999.
  30. Common merganser Mergus merganser [Kawa-aisa]
    • Hinuma-ko, March 1, 97
  31. Red-breasted merganser Mergus serrator [Umi-aisa]
    • 1 female, Nakaminato, Januari 2, 1998.
  32. Ancient murrelet Synthliboramphus antiquus [Umi-suzume]
    • Seacoast of Mito, March 1, 97.
  33. Slaty-backed gull Larus schitisagus [Ou-seguro-kamome]
    • Seacoast of Mito, March 1, 97.
  34. Herring gull Larus argentatus [Seguro-kamome]
    • Several at Edosaki-coast, Feb 23, 97. Seacoast of Mito, March 1, 97. 1 ex, Tozaki-coast, April 6, 97. April 12 Tozaki, 1 ex. April 13 Tozaki, 2 ex.
  35. Black-tailed gull Larus crassirostris [Umineko]
    • Seacoast of Mito, March 1, 97.
  36. Glaucous gull Larus hyperboreus [Shirokamome]
    • Seacoast of Mito, March 1, 97.
  37. Mew gull Larus canus [Kamome]
    • Seacoast of Mito, March 1, 97. 1 ex, Tozaki-coast, April 6, 97.
  38. Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus [Yuri-kamome]
    • Can be seen anywhere in Tsukuba. Abundant near Kasumigaura, August 3, 96. Several at Edosaki-coast, Feb 23, 97. Seacoast of Mito, March 1, 97. Several ex, Tozaki-coast, April 6, 97. April 12 Tozaki and Edosaki. April 13 Tozaki and Edosaki: in the middle of the lake at least 1000 ex, 30% in summer plumage. Idem April 29, more summerplumage though.
  39. Black-crowned night-heron Nycticorax nycticorax [Goi-sagi]
    • A group of them might live in the science park around ETL. I see them almost daily flying around, and hear them during the nights, July, also Jan, Feb and March. 300 ex between in reed corner between Tsuchiura and Tozaki, August 3, 96. Several at Edosaki-coast, Feb 23, 97. 1 juv. in the middle of the night in Doho-koen, inspecting a rainwater puddle, April 6, 97. April 13 Tozaki, 1 ex. At least 12 ex, Edosaki, April 29, 97.
  40. Green-backed heron Butorides striatus [Sasa-goi]
    • About 30 ex in the river area just east of the Texas Instrumentss bulding along Edosaki, April 29, 97. Characteristic call, but also it is smaller, a bit more compact than Black-crowned heron with a faster wingbeat.
  41. Cattle egret Bubucus ibis [Ama-sagi]
    • Along Kasumigaura, August 3, 96. But also on the higher sandgrounds of Yatabe, west of ETL, August 5, 96. 30 ex East of Edosaki, May 3, 97. 1 ex Edosaki, May 5, 97.
  42. Chinese little bittern Ixobrychus sinensis [Yoshi-goi]
    • 1 ex at Dec 12, 95 along a small river west of Kitaura. 1 ex. flying over reedbeds along Kasumigaura, August 3, 96.
  43. Little egret Egretta garzetta [Ko-sagi]
    • Along Kasumigaura, August 3, 96. November 17, Tsukuba, Katsuragi park. Several at Edosaki-coast, Feb 23, 97. April 12 Tozaki (30) and Edosaki (12). April 13 Tozaki (several) and Edosaki (18). Several Edosaki, April 29. 2 ex Edosaki, May 5, 97. 1 ex along the south river from Tsukuba to Kasumigaura, Dec 28, 97.
  44. Intermediate egret Egretta intermedia [Chuu-sagi]
    • Along Kasumigaura, August 3, 96. Edosaki, March 1, 97. Ukishima, April 6, 97. April 12 Tozaki (2) and Edosaki (3). April 13 Tozaki (4) and Edosaki (3). Several Edosaki, April 29. 6 ex Edosaki, May 5, 97.
  45. Great egret Egretta alba [Dai-sagi]
    • Second week Januari 97. 1 ex walking around in Doho-koen pond. Several at Edosaki-coast, Feb 23, 97. Hinuma-ko, March 1, 97. Ukishima, April 6, 97. April 12 Tozaki (2) and Edosaki (1). April 13 Tozaki (2) and Edosaki (2). Several Edosaki, April 29. Most of the summer (July until November) 1 ex around Doho-koen. Feb 2-9, 98, the bird is back after the snow and ice. Oct-Nov-Dec, 98. The bird is a regular visitor. Presence might depend on waterlevel. Jan 99: Every day, while the pond is frozen. Jan 5, 1999: 1 ex flying over Tsukuba centre.
  46. Gray heron Ardea cinerea [Ao-sagi]
    • Along Kasumigaura, August 3, 96. Hinuma-ko, March 1, 97 April 13 Tozaki (1), Tsukuba (1)
  47. Coot Fulica atra [Ou-ban]
    • Along Kasumigaura, August 3, 96. Idem Januari 12, 97. Several at Edosaki-coast, Feb 23, 97. Ottonuma, March 1, 97. Tozaki, April 6, 97. April 12 Tozaki (several 100's) and Edosaki (several 10's). April 13, idem. Ottonuma, November 9, 1 ex.
  48. Common Gallinule Gallinula chloropus [Ban]
    • Doho-park, November 27, 96. Several at Edosaki-coast, Feb 23, 97. Ottonuma, March 1, 97. Several, Tozaki, April 6, 97. April 12 Tozaki (several 10's) and Edosaki (several). April 13, idem. Doho-koen, 2 courting Moorhens, April 16, 97. 1 ex, Dohokoen, Sept 9. Doho-park, November 27, 97. 1 ex along the south river from Tsukuba to Kasumigaura, Dec 28, 97.
  49. Water rail Rallus aquaticus [Kunia]
    • 1 ex along the Onogawa, some 7 km SW of Edosaki. It crossed the river flying and disappeared in tuft of high grass, at 20m. Could see brown upperside, evenly spotted. Larger than two nearby common snipes. March 22, 1997. Cool rainy day.
  50. Little ringed plover Charadrius dubius [Kochidori]
    • Kasumigaura, March 22, 1997: an area with freshly deposited sand. 2 ex, Tozaki, April 6, 97. April 12 Tozaki (4) and Edosaki (7). April 13 Tozaki (4) and Edosaki (4). Tozaki, 27 April, 97. 5 ex Edosaki, April 29. Edosaki: Pulli in July. November 8, 97, Ko-kai-kawa 3 ex. June 10, 98: Onogawa, on pebbled road in ricepaddy just north of NIES, 2 adults and one juv.
  51. Snowy plover Charadrius alexandrinus [Shiro-chidori]
    • April 12, 97 Edosaki (1). April 13, 97 idem. Edosaki: Pulli in July.
  52. Lesser golden plover Pluvialis dominica [Daizen]
    • April 12, Edosaki 80. April 13, Edosaki 130. At least 150 ex, Edosaki, April 29. At least 70, Edosaki, May 5, 97.
  53. (Northern) Lapwing Vanellus vanellus [Tageri]
    • East of Tsukuba along the river. Autumn 95. Near Arakawaoki, December 7, 96. Several at Edosaki-coast, Feb 23, 97.
  54. Grey-headed lapwing [Microsarcops cinereus ]
    • Keri 1 ex along the south river from Tsukuba to Kasumigaura. Half way railroad and lake, Feb 23, 97!
  55. Rufous-necked stint Caladris ruficollis [Tounen]
    • April 12, Tozaki 1.
  56. Temminck's stint Caladris temminckii [Ojiro-tounen]
    • December 10, 95, about 15 ex on mudfields near Tozaki and another 15 between Kitaura and Kasumigaura. April 12, 97, Tozaki 1. Ko-kai-kawa, November 8, 97, 2 ex.
  57. Dunlin Caladris alpina [Hama-shigi]
    • Seacoast of Mito, March 1, 97. 30 ex, Tozaki, April 6, 97: partialsummer plumage. April 12, Tozaki 8. April 13, Tozaki 38. November 8, 97, Ko-kai-kawa 4 ex.
  58. Spotted redshank Tringa erythropus [Tsuru-shigi]
    • At least 10 ex, Ukishima and Tozaki, April 6, 97. April 12, Tozaki 1.
  59. Greenshank Tringa nebulara [Aoashi-shigi]
    • November 8, 97, Ko-kai-kawa 1 ex.
  60. Gray-tailed tatler Tringa brevipes [Kiashi-shigi]
    • 1 ex, Edosaki, May 3, 97. Idem, May 5, 1997. November 8, 97, Ko-kai-kawa 1 ex.
  61. Sanderling Crocethia alba [Miyubi-shigi]
    • Ibaraki-coast, March 1, 97.
  62. Wood sandpiper Tringa glareola [Takabu-shigi]
    • At most 15 ex, Ukishima and Tozaki, April 6, 97. April 12, Tozaki 1. April 13, Tozaki 2, Edosaki 2. 1 ex Edosaki April 20. 1 ex Edosaki, May 5, 1997. 1 ex Ami, July 19, 98. 1 ex Ami, July 25, 98.
  63. Marsh sandpiper? Tringa stagnatilis [Ko-ao-ashi-shigi]
    • November 28: While watching the Falcated Teals at Otto-numa I saw a small rather long necked sandpiper, very white underneath including neck. Some white on top between wings an on tail. Slightly smaller than Common sandpiper. However it surprised me, and in the bad light just before sunset I could not get a precise view...
  64. Common sandpiper Tringa hypoleucos [Iso-shigi]
    • Along Kasumigaura, August 3, 96. But also in a river on the higher sandgrounds of Yatabe, west of ETL, August 5, 96. Ukishima, April 6, 97. April 13, Tozaki 1. (In winter it one sees individuals at many places, not so in April...)
  65. Rudy turnstone Arenaria interpres [Kyoujo-shigi]
    • 4 ex, near Edosaki, April 20. May 3 and May 5, Edosaki: at least 16 ex.
  66. Woodcock Scolopax rusticola [Yama-shigi]
    • 2 ex, Onogawa, March 10, 97.
  67. Common snipe Gallinago gallinago [Ta-shigi]
    • Edosaki, March 1, 97. April 12, Tozaki 6, Edosaki 6. April 13, Tozaki 10, Edosaki 20. At least 15 ex, Edosaki April 29, 97.
  68. Painted snipe Rostratula benghalensis [Tama-shigi]
    • 1 female, April 20. Edosaki. In a "soaked" but not inundated field with some sparse grasses.
    • May 3, 97, around and after sunset: at same spot two females and one perhaps two males. Both females were calling, the one in th paddy chasing the other away. After this, the female ran little distances, jumped and landed, stretching both wings vertically, showing the white undersides. Perhaps courtship behavior? Male just followed.
    • May 5: same spot, two males and two females. Perhaps more, in the dark it is difficult to keep track of all the flying birds. Courting, this time two birds together stretching their wings vertically. Apparently of same size, two females, at least one of them. (How do the males court?). Only one female was calling.
  69. Osprey Pandion haliaetus [Misago]
    • 1 ex, Hinuma, Dec 23, 97.
  70. Black kite Milvus migrans [Tobi]
    • 2 ex, Edosaki, Feb 23, 97.
    • April 12, 97: Tozaki 1.
    • Dec 5, 97: 1 ex near Shishitsuka-oike
    • Dec 6, 98: 1 ex soaring above Douhou-koen by Katayama-san
    • Dec 17, 98, 1 ex soaring above ETL at 13.40hr
  71. Gray-faced buzzard-eagle Butastur indicus [Sashiba]
    • April 12, Tozaki 1. April 13, Edosaki hills 1. Oike, 27 April, 97.
  72. Common buzzard Buteo buteo [Nosuri]
    • 1 ex, Edosaki, Feb 23, 97. 1 ex, Onogawa near Edosaki, Jan 3, 1998.
  73. Northern harrier Circus cyaneus [Haiiro-chuuhi]
    • 1 ex, Edosaki, Feb 23, 97.
  74. Eastern Marsh harrier Circus aeruginous [Chuuhi]
    • One male, Higashi-yata-river south of Tsukuba, Januari 11, 97. 1 ex, Edosaki, Feb 23, 97. Same ex, same spot, March 9.
  75. Northern goshawk Accipter gentilis [Ou-taka]
    • 1 female Hinuma-ko, March 1, 97. 1 juv male, Ukishima, March 1, 97. Idem April 6, 97.
    • Calling individual, Shishitsuka-oike, Januari 18, 99.
  76. European sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus [Hai-taka]
    • Near Tsuchiura, along highway, March 1, 97. June 7, 1998: 1 ex flying low over the trees near ETLpond chased by Barnswallows, eventually he soared higher and higher.
  77. Japanese lesser sparrowhawk Accipiter gularis [Tsumi]
    • Behind the guest house in AIST, April 16, 97. Beautiful female mobbed by Onaga's. Calling (like cd), white breast with rather distant horizontal stripes, size of turtle dove. Same spot, April 17, 97. Call is cli-cli... sound consists of 8 or 10 syllables: first two up, then the rest descending in tone.
    • June 7, 1998: 1 ex calling and flying low over the trees near ETL pond.
    • Sept 3-9: 2 juv in the trees SE of the guest house. Fed by parents, which sometimes could be heard calling near the pond of Douhou-koen.
    • April 20, 1999: 1 ex calling near Photoshop in south Tsukuba, near Onogawa.
    • April 27, 1999; 1 ex calling east of ETL.
  78. Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus [Haya-busa]
    • 1 ex Kasumigaura, Dec 10, 95. 1 ex Hinuma-ko, Januari 4, 97. 1 ex Edosaki, April 29.
  79. Merlin Falco columbarius [Ko-chougenbou]
    • One female, Edosaki coast of Kasumigaura, November 24, 96. Edosaki, March 1, 97. October 18, 97, Edosaki coast of Kasumigaura. October 20, 97, one female around ETL. 1 ex near Edosaki town on Onogawa, Jan 3, 1998.
  80. Eurasian Kestrel Falco tinnunculus [Chougenbou]
    • December 1, 96: 2 ex on plane along old railroad near Tsukuba-san. Hundreds of Housesparrows were present as well... 1 female, Edosaki, Feb 23, 97. Edosaki, March 1, 97.
  81. Brown Hawkowl Ninox scutulata [Aoba-zuku]
    • May 21-22, 98: 2 ex calling sitting on powerlines next to my house in Onogawa. May 25, June 9, , 1:30 am calls. July 6-7: 1 ex calling near my house. Like last time, near Full moon!
  82. Short-eared owl Asio flammeus [Komimi-zuku]
    • 1 ex, Edosaki coast of Kasumigaura, Januari 12, 97. Long slender wings hunting in the dark after sunset over the field. Sittting on the ground as well. A very light ex, Edosaki March 1, 97. A rather dark ex, Ukishima March 1, 97. Normal collored ex, Edosaki, March 22, 1997.
  83. Collared scops owl Otus bakkamoena [Ou-konoha-zuku]
    • 1 ex calling near Onogawa, Jan 23, 97. Repeated monosyllabic whistle phu. Almost like European Scops owl.
  84. Ural owl Strix uralensis [Fukurou]
    • 1 ex, south west of the cemetery just south of Ottonuma, March 7, 97.
    • Ikenaga-san showed us certainly 1, possibly 2 ex near Yataba, April 10, 97.
    • 1 ex calling from group of old trees next to the traffic lights near rather pink coloured Hotel White just south of Onogawa, May 15, 1997.
    • 1998: 100 m south of this spot, Januari 22.
    • Jan 16, one heard by Neil Fergusson just north of the road near the NE corner of the AIST-area.
    • Feb 6, one heard by Neil Fergusson around MEL.
    • Later half of March and first half of April: often heard calling in Eucalyptus trees (alas,... these trees got cut in Dec 98) just NE of AIST area.
    • April 16 even next to ETL area. (These tree got cut in Dec 98).
    • Right now Feb 3, 99: 20.00-20.30 two Ural Owls (Fukuro) are calling near the south east corner of the meteorological institute. They are in opposite sides of the street just south of that science park. They are taking turns in calling, rather loudly, but sometimes just a soft booing...
    • Early morning of April 29, 1999. 1 ex calling next to pond of Douhou-koen. Made a sqeaky sound, usually single calls. Like the part third for the Fukurou on Kabaya-san's cd.
    • Early morning of April 30, 1999. 2 ex calling around NIRE, National Institute for Resources and Environment, along Nishidori. Standard call. If nervous, just a hurried bobobobobo.
  85. Bamboo partridge Bambusicola thoracica [Kojukei]
    • 3 ex, Teshirogi, 16/2/97. Seacoast of Mito, March 1, 97. Doho-koen, April, 97.
  86. Common pheasant Phasianus colchicus [Kiji]
    • Calling at dawn around ETL. July. Along Kasumigaura, August 3, 96. Edosaki March 1, 97. April 13, Edosaki (several). Walking in the fields and hedgerows around Onogawa and calling also in Doho-koen, April 97.
    • Almost daily in April/June 1998. Once I saw a pair walking within NIES area.
  87. Rufous turtle dove Streptopelia orientalis [Kiji-bato]
    • Resident. Many. Everywhere.
  88. Japanese green pigeon Sphenurus sieboldii [Ao-bato]
    • Tsukuba-san, 27 April, 97.
  89. Common cuckoo Cuculus canorus [Kakkoo]
    • One calling at dawn near ETL. July.
  90. Oriental cuckoo Cuculus saturatus [Tsutsudori]
    • Calling Nantai-yama, April 26, 1997. Tsukuba-san, 27 April, 97.
  91. Little cuckoo Cuculus poliocephalus [Hototogisu]
    • Several calling at dawn near ETL. July. August.
    • June 5, 1998: calling at three places between Ottonuma and Arakawaoki.
    • June 1-July 8 often calling in early morning near my house in Onogawa.
  92. Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis [Kawa-semi]
    • Not seen in Oct, Nov. Dec 1, 1 ex Ottonuma. Dec 2, 1 ex Doho park. 1 ex, Higashi-yata river South of Tsukuba, 11 Januari 97. October 19: ETL. November 12, 97: Doho-koen, 1 ex. November 21, Ottonuma: 1 ex.
  93. Ruddy Kingfisher Halcyon coromanda [Akashoobin]
    • Douhou-koen, Nov 17, 1997, 9.15 am. Three times calling.
    • Onogawa, Sept 6, 1998, 5 am. Three times calling on a nice overcast morning after full moon. Ikenaga-san and Mike Danzenbaker were witnesses.
  94. Japanese green woodpecker Dendrocopos awokera [Aogera]
    • Yamato-machi, March 1, 97. Tsukuba-san, 27 April, 97.
  95. White-backed woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos [Ou-akagera]
    • Teshirogi, 16/2/97. Onogawa 29/2/97.
  96. Great spotted woodpecker Dendrocopos major [Akagera]
    • One calling near ETL. Oct 14. Yamato-machi, March 1, 97.
  97. Japanese pygmy woodpecker Dendrocopos kizuki [Ko-gera]
    • One calling near ETL. July. Edosaki on south side of Kasumigaura, 12 Januari 97. Onogawa March 4, 97. Digging holes, Onogawa April 8, 97: hole 1.50 m high facing SE. New attempt in higher tree, April 16, 97. No breeding, apparently. Nantai-san, April 26, 97. Tsukuba-san, 27 April, 97. November 6, 97: Doho-koen: one male: brownishmarks on head, back not black but brownish black. Stripes on breast, but hardly any stripes on the belly, only on it sides.
  98. Skylark Alauda arvensis [Hibari]
    • Active singer above the sports grounds behind the guesthouse. July. Also singing in November. Januari. Februari, March everywhere on the dry sandy fields. April 13, Tozaki and Edosaki. Everywhere, at least several 10's. Nantai-san, April 26, 97.
  99. House martin Delichon urbica/dasypus? [Iwa-tsubame]
    • Nesting in the station of Tobome. White throat, but belly was greyish. Rump seemed white.
    • April 27, 1999: 3 ex over Onogawa.
  100. Barn swallow Hirundo rustica [Tsubame]
    • Some flying above the trees around ETL. July.
    • Arakawaoki, March 22, 97.
    • (First spring sighting Kamakura, March 18, 1997: compare with this map of spring arrivals of Barnswallows in 1997 (discs represent barn swallow))
    • April 12, Tozaki and Edosaki.
    • April 13, Tozaki and Edosaki. Everywhere, at least several 100's.
    • Tsukuba, April 16, 97.
    • Breeding at Iwama, Kasama and the station of Tomobe, April 26, 97.
    • Common breeder, May, June, July...
    • April 20, 27 1999: between Douhou-koen and Onogawa; 4 ex collecting mud from th paddy.
  101. Yellow wagtail Tsumenaga-sekirei [Motacilla flava]
    • Tozaki, April 13, 1997: 2 ex subspecies simillima Tozaki, April 27, 97.
  102. Gray wagtail [Motacilla cinerea]
    • Ki-sekirei 4 ex, Onogawa, 16/2/97. Several, Edosaki-coast, Feb 23, 97.
  103. White wagtail Haku-sekirei [Motacilla alba]
    • Along Kasumigaura, August 3, 96. Several, Edosaki-coast, Feb 23, 97. April 12, Tozaki and Edosaki. April 13, Tozaki and Edosaki. Everywhere, at least several 10's.
  104. Japanese wagtail Motacilla grandis [Seguro-sekirei]
    • Permanent resident, e.g., near the sports grounds of the guest house. July. Several, Edosaki-coast, Feb 23, 97. April 12, Tozaki and Edosaki. April 13, Tozaki and Edosaki. Everywhere, several.
  105. Indian tree pipit Anthus hodgsoni [Binzui]
    • 3 ex foraging on forest floor of AIST, the science park around ETL, Dcember 7, 96. Same spot, near NE bike exit, 2 ex, March 7, 97.
    • At least 15 ex: AIST on most days in Jaunari 99.
  106. Water pipit Anthus spinoletta [Tahibari]
    • At least 20, Edosaki coast of Kasumigaura, November 24, 96. Several, Edosaki-coast, Feb 23, 97. Several, with soft orange summer breast, Tozaki, April 6, 97. April 12, Tozaki and Edosaki. April 13, Tozaki and Edosaki. Everywhere, at least 100.
  107. Brown-eared bulbul Hypsipetes amaurotis [Hiyodori]
    • Abundant and noisy. Everywhere. July. Groups in wintertime: eg a group of 200 ex in Edosaki, Januari 12. Several, Edosaki-coast, Feb 23, 97. April 13, Tozaki 300+20. (migrating groups) several.
  108. Bull-headed shrike Lanius bucephalus [Mozu]
    • Several along Onogawa March 7, 1997. Tozaki and Tsuchiura, April 6,97. April 13, Tozaki 1, Edosaki 1.
  109. Winter wren Troglodytes troglodytes [Misosazai]
    • Tsukuba-san, 27 April, 97.
  110. Japanese accentor Prunella rubida [Kaya kuguri]
    • 1 ex, Tsukuba-san, Dec 20, 1997 & an incredible view of a snowy Fuji-san!
  111. Japanese robin Erithacus akahige [Komadori]
    • Tsukuba-san Spring 96.
  112. Daurian redstart Phoenicurus auroreus [Joobitaki]
    • Januari 97 Doho-koen. 1 ex, Edosaki-coast, Feb 23, 97. March 8, near Tsukuba-san.
  113. Siberian bluechat Tarsiger cyanurus [Ruri-bitaki]
    • Yahu-ou-in, 2 ex, februari 7, 1998.
    • Feb 17, 99: ETL. Soft spring weather, one male.
  114. Blue rockthrush Monticola solitarius [Iso-hyodori]
    • 1 female ex in Oarai.
  115. Brown thrush Turdus chrysolaus [Akahara]
    • Yamato-machi, March 1, 97. Ukishima, March 1, 97. Onogawa, April 16 and 24, 97.
  116. Pale thrush Turdus pallidus [Shirohara]
    • 1 ex Doho-koen, Januari 6, ' 97. 1 ex Doho-koen, Februari 3, ' 97: this individual lacked the white tail tips. Doho-koen, March 14, 97. Doho-koen, April 23 and 24, 97. 2 ex with white tail tips: ETL, Dec 27, 98.
  117. Dusky thrush Turdus naumanni [Tsugumi]
    • Arrived in large numbers in the beginning of November '96: compare with this map of fall arrivals of Dusky thrush in 1997. Everywhere but rarely more than two at a spot, Edosaki-coast, Feb 23, 97. April 13, Tozaki and Edosaki. Everywhere, at least several 100's. April 16, 97.
  118. Bush warbler Cettia diphone [Uguisu]
    • Some singing at dawn near ETL. One nicely singing near the Soba-restaurant south of ETL. July. November: I learned their warning call: like slow european robin... Yamato-machi, March 1, 97. March 8, one singing near Tsukuba-san. Doho-koen, daily end of March. Tozaki, April 6, 97. April 13, Tozaki (3) and Edosaki (2) ( and at least several 10's in the hills) Nantai-san, April 26, 97. Tsukuba-san, 27 April, 97. Tozaki, April 27, 97.
  119. Short-tailed bush warbler Cettia squameiceps [Yabusame]
    • Nantai-san, April 26, 97. Tsukuba-san, 27 April, 97.
  120. Crowned willow warbler Phylloscopus occipitalis [Sendai-mushikui]
    • Tsukuba-san, 27 April, 97.
  121. Japanese marsh warbler Megalurus pryeri [Ou-sekka]
    • Between Kita-ura and Kasumigaura, December 10, 1995. Ukishima, April 6, 97: display flight is short vertical circular flight.
  122. Fan-tailed warbler Cisticola juncidis [Sekka]
    • Along Kasumigaura, August 3, 96. 2ex, Edosaki-coast, Feb 23, 97. April 12, Tozaki. April 13, Tozaki. Several. At least 5 ex Edosaki-coast, April 29, 97.
  123. Great reed warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus [Ou-yoshikiri]
    • Many with young calling them with a kind of monotone coarse rattle, along Kasumigaura, August 3, 96. 1 ex singing Edosaki, April 29, 97.
  124. Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis borealis [Ko-meboso-mushikui]
    • This morning (June 8, around 10 am) I could hear two Ko-meboso-mushikui (P. borealis borealis, the northern subspecies). They made exactly the call as on the cd of Kabaya-san.
      The call is a hars trr trr trr, one bird mixed it with a short melodious, also as on the cd. The first bird, next along the north edge of NIES in Onogawa I could see: no yellowish underside, clear white eyestripe. Moving in the top of the foliage.
      The second bird was in Douhou koen. in the corner with the north gate to the meteorologic institute.
      According to the Kabaya-sans text accompagnying the cd's the birds migrate in the Tokyo area in the period 25-5 - 5-6.
  125. Narcissus flycatcher Ficedula narcissina [Ki-bitaki]
    • Tsukuba-san, 27 April, 97.
  126. Blue and white flycatcher Cyanptila cyanomelana [Ou-ruri]
    • Tsukuba-san, 27 April, 97.
  127. Goldcrest Regulus regulus [Kikuitadaki]
    • Shishitsuka-ike > 4, Februari 14, 1998.
  128. Great tit Parus major [Shijuu-kara]
    • Many young, every where around ETL. July. Everywhere thoughout the year. Nantai-san, April 26, 97. Tsukuba-san, 27 April, 97.
  129. Coal tit Parus ater [Hi-gara]
    • Yamato-machi, March 1, 97. Tsukuba-san, 27 April, 97.
  130. Varied tit Parus varius [Yama-kara]
    • July 24, near ETL. November. Dec, Jan, Feb, March. Tsukuba-san, 27 April, 97.
  131. Long-tailed tit Aegithalos caudatus [Enaga]
    • July 16, flock mixed with Great tits near guesthouse. They took a bath in a puddle on the roof, and preened afterwards in the trees. November, December, Januari. Flocks of up to 30 individuals roaming around the barren trees inspecting the bark of the trees for hidden food items.
  132. Japanese White-eye Zosterops japonica [Mejiro]
    • November 13, little group in Doho-park mixed with Great tit and pygmy woodpecker. Tsukuba-san, 27 April, 97.
  133. Siberian meadow bunting Emberiza cioides [Hoojiro]
    • One near Soba-restaurant south of ETL. July. November in Doho-park, Several 10's, Edosaki-coast, Feb 23, 97. Many singing males, March 8, 97 on the way to Tsukuba-san. April 13, Tsuchiura 1. Onogawa, 1 ex singing high in Ginko-tree, April 16, 97. Singing at several places in Edosaki, April 29, 97, May, June, July.
  134. Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica [Kashiradaka]
    • November 27, 96: near National Institute for Environmental Studies. Idem, second week of Januari 97. Several, Edosaki-coast, Feb 23, 97. April 13, hills of Edosaki 35 ex.
  135. Black-faced bunting Emberiza spodocephala [Aoji]
    • November 14, 96: in Doho-park. Several , Edosaki-coast, Feb 23, 97.
  136. Japanese Reed Bunting Emberiza yessoensis [Ko-jurin]
    • 1 male, Edosaki, south of Kasumigaura, Januari 12, 1997. March 1, 97 NOT in Ukishima. Several singing individuals in Ukishima, April 6, 97.
  137. Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus [Ou-jurin]
    • 1 female, Edosaki, south of Kasumigaura, Januari 12, 1997. Several 100's, Edosaki-coast, Feb 23, 97. Several singing individuals in Ukishima, April 6, 97. Everywhere along Tozaki, April 6, 97. April 12, Tozaki, Edosaki. April 13, Tozaki. Several. At several places along Edosaki coast April 29, 97.
  138. Oriental greenfinch Carduelis sinica [Kawarahiwa]
    • Resident of park around ETL. July. Groups in wintertime: eg a group of 100 ex in Edosaki, Januari 12. Several 100's, Edosaki-coast, Feb 23, 97. Several 10's, Tozaki, April 6, 97. April 13, Tozaki 1, Edosaki 20.
  139. Siskin Carduelis spinus [Ma-hiwa]
    • Doho-park November 15, 3 ex. Groups in wintertime: Onogawa Januari 7, 120 ex. Several, Edosaki-coast, Feb 23, 97.
  140. Long tailed rosefinch Uragus sibiricus [Beni-mashiko]
    • Shishitsuka-oike, Dec 5, 1997.
  141. Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula [Uso]
    • Just south of ETL, November 12. At various places on and around Tskukuba-san, 17 November.
  142. Japanese grosbeak Eophona personata [Ikaru]
    • Yahu-ou-in: about 16 - 20 ex, Februari 7, 1998.
  143. Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes [Shime]
    • Doho-koen, Januari 9, 1 female.
  144. Russet sparrow Passer rutilans [Nyuunai-uzume]
    • 1 male, Edosaki-coast, Februari 23, 97.
  145. Tree sparrow Passer montanus [Suzume]
    • All year round in park ETL. Several 100's, Edosaki-coast, Feb 23, 97. April 12, Tozaki and Edosaki. April 13, Tozaki and Edosaki. Several 100's. But clearly less than a month ago.
  146. Gray starling Sturnus cineraceus [Mukudori]
    • In the centre of town large groups gather at dusk: July. Several, Edosaki-coast, Feb 23, 97. April 12, Tozaki and Edosaki. April 13, Tozaki and Edosaki. Everywhere, several 100's.
  147. Jay Garrulus glandarius [Kakesu]
    • Present in Doho-koen and Onogawa since November 20, 96. 2 ex. around Nat. Inst. of Env. Studies. Yamato-machi, March 1, 97. Doho-koen and Onogawa, April 16, 97. Doho-koen October 1, 1998.
  148. Azure winged magpie Cyanopica cyana [Onaga]
    • Several in the trees around ETL. July.
  149. Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes [Hoshy-garasu]
    • Tsukuba-san, 27 April, 97.
  150. Carrion crow Corvus corone [Hashiboso-garasu]
    • Resident of the garden around ETL. July. Seems to be more present in wintertime. Several, Edosaki-coast, Feb 23, 97. 1 nest plus breeding bird at Edosaki-coast.
  151. Jungle crow Corvus macrorhynchos [Hashibuto-garasu]
    • Resident of the garden around ETL. July. Several, Edosaki-coast, Feb 23, 97 April 12, Tozaki and Edosaki. April 13, Tozaki and Edosaki Everywhere, several 10's. 1 nest plus breeding bird at Edosaki-coast, idem Ukishima.
Escape birds:
  • Red-billed Leiothrix, Pekin Robin Leiothrix lutea [Soushicho]
    • Others:
  • Japanese Hare Lepus brachyurus [No-usagi] Doho-koen, November 96. ETL, July 31, 1998.
  • Japanese Weasel Mustela itatsi [Itachi] August 96 and April 13, 97. Kasumiga-ura.
  • Wild Boar Sus scrofa [Inoshisi] November 97, Feb 98, May 98, Tsukuba-san, traces on the floor.
    • Back to previous page Last modified: June 10, 1998. Fer-Jan de Vries, ferjan@etl.go.jp