The following is the list of species that park rangers observed today.
Spot-billed Duck、Common Pochard、Tufted Duck、Greater Scaup、Little Grebe、Great Cormorant、Grey Heron、Great Egret、Little Egret、Common Moorhen、Little Ringed Plover、Common Sandpiper、Little Tern、Oriental Turtle Dove、Common Kingfisher、Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker、Large-billed Crow、Japanese Tit、Barn Swallow、Asian House Martin、Brown-eared Bulbul、Japanese White-eye、Oriental Reed Warbler、White-cheeked Starling、Eurasian Tree Sparrow (25species)
Ranger's Activities
Research : Daily Surveys and updating records、Conducting weekly surveys for Marsh birds
Habitat management : Patrol
Education : Providing visiter services at the Ranger Station
Other : Nothing to Report
Notice : Nature Center : Under renovation (No Entry)
" Getting To Know Your Birds "
This morning a group of 60 people came from Kanagawa area to learn about the Bird Park. Mr. Anzai gave a very interesting talk, and in it he shared two important points about Beginner Birding. He said familiarize yourself with the most common birds and then learn how to compare what you see to the things you know. For example, he said start with the most common birds you might see around you, the White Eye, Sparrow, Starling, Pigeon, and Crow. These are what’s known as the ‘Yardstick Birds’ for Japan. This is because most birds that you will see fall somewhere in the size range of these birds. If you are familiar with the size and characteristics of these 5 birds, you can use that to explain to others or categorize the birds you see. For example, if you want to ask about the greyish-blue bird with the brown ear patch that is slightly larger than the size of a starling, you might be describing the Hiyodori or Brown-Eared Bulbul.
When you come to the Bird Park you might have a chance to observe many of larger birds, like herons and egrets but with the signs that we have posted in the park and if you carry a simple bird book, you should be able to identify what you see! If not, ask a ranger and use the birds you know as a measuring tool to explain what you saw! Happy Birding!
