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March 2, 2010

Swans Through the Sun

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Swan
February 27, 2010

Pale Hen Harrier…

Went looking for the local Steller’s Sea-eagle again this morning but heard it was there (Fukushimagata, Niigata) until ten minutes before we arrived. Knew my luck couldn’t hold out as I’d taken my wet weather lens out on a sunny morning. The most interesting sight was this harrier. I thought from a distance that it was Continue reading

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Hen Harrier
February 22, 2010

Weasel in the Snow.

Went looking for the local Steller’s Sea-eagle yesterday but no luck. (It was last seen on Friday as far as I know) Anyway, it was a beautiful day and I got some firsts. The highlight of the day for me for sure was my first ever weasel. A Japanese Weasel (Mustela itatsi) to be precise. Continue reading

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Great Spotted Woodpecker, Itachi, Japanese Weasel
February 15, 2010

“Where the Earth Ends”. -Shiretoko Article

I was hoping to revisit Shiretoko this February but as things turned out, can’t go. Disappointed, I decided to relive my 2006 experience through writing an article for the Toowoomba Bird Observers’ newsletter. You can read the article Where the Earth Ends Maybe I’ll get back there next year! Continue reading

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Shiretoko, Steller’s Sea-eagle, White-tailed Sea-eagle
February 12, 2010

Australian Raptor Mini Guides

Just wanted to mention that there are free guides (printable pdf files) of Australian Raptors available at the Toowoomba Bird Observers’ “Downloads” page. Click here: raptorguides I put them together with the help of other, kind photographers and I hope to update them every so often to get them better and better… I have tried to set them out Continue reading

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Australian Raptor downloads
February 5, 2010

Landing Swan

A Whooper Swan landing at Hyoko, Niigata on January 24. Continue reading

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Whooper Swan
January 30, 2010

Northern Pintails at Hyoko, Niigata.

Northern Pintails at Hyoko, Niigata on Sunday, January 24, 2010. Continue reading

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Northern Pintail
January 24, 2010

White Birds in a Pale Sky.

Whooper Swans around Fukushimagata, Niigata today. (Click on a picture for a larger view) Continue reading

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Whooper Swan
January 18, 2010

Raptors of the Darling Downs.

Back on December 28, 2009, went for a look south-west of Toowoomba, Queensland. The gateway to the sweeping plains known as the Darling Downs. As it turned out I remember seeing the same species in the same area 20 years ago. A good place for parrots and raptors. Unfortunately, the light wasn’t nice for photography. Continue reading

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Black-shouldered Kite, Brown Falcon, Brown Goshawk, Spotted Harrier
January 7, 2010

Magpie Geese, Pink-eared Ducks and Black-winged Stilts.

Some more from the outing with Michael Atzeni of the Toowoomba Bird Observers on December 30, 2009. We encountered these at the Gatton campus of Queensland Uni. Above and below: Magpie Geese with Pink-eared Ducks in the background. Below: A pair of Pink-eared Ducks pass in front of the Magpie Geese. Above and below: Some Pink-eared Ducks Continue reading

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Black-winged Stilt, Magpie Goose, Pink-eared Duck
December 30, 2009

Pectoral Sandpiper in Queensland

Had a wonderful day out yesterday birding with birder sepreme, Michael Atzeni from the Toowoomba Bird Observers. Mick kindly drove me around to significant birding spots in south-east Queensland and I had a ball. Saw some super species but the rarity of the day was this Pectoral Sandpiper, Calidris melanotos, spied by Mick at Jahnke’s Continue reading

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Pectoral Sandpiper
December 26, 2009

Christmas in Summer

Above: Peregrine Falcon. I think he’s a male. Enjoying another holiday at home. Got 40cm of snow the day I left Japan. I’m pretty happy it’s not too hot though here in Oz. Getting plenty of showers. Love the summer smells and colourful skies. Got the Peregrine Falcon picture along with the Nankeen/Australian Kestrels in Continue reading

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Australian Kestrel, Nankeen Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Superb Blue Wren, Superb Fairy-wren
November 24, 2009

A Mountain Cicada and a Bear Hawk

Finally had a rainless Sunday to do a bit of birding this week. The first in almost a month. A friend and I went to an area of the northern outskirts of Niigata in the hope of finding a Crested Kingfisher. We’d seen them in the same area back in summer but failed to get Continue reading

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Common Buzzard, Crested Kingfisher, Mountain Hawk Eagle
October 29, 2009

Dancer on the wind: Northern Goshawk

Sunday, October 25 was a beautiful, clear morning with changing wind gusts. The wind seemed to make conditions perfect for a few raptors, namely Common Buzzards, Black-eared Kites and an Eastern Marsh Harrier. The highlight however, was this young Northern Goshawk that appeared overhead at a bird observatory. He dipped and dived, zoomed and swirled Continue reading

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Northern Goshawk
October 18, 2009

They’ve arrived! Whooper Swans are here for 2009 – 2010

I noticed the first Whooper Swans of the season on the morning of October 8. They flew across the road in front of me on the way to work. Most of these photos were taken at Fukushimagata, Niigata on Monday, October 12. I went there again this morning and read the local community notice board Continue reading

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Whooper Swan

About Me

I’m an Australian interested in nature, photography, culture, and art based in Japan.

Recent Posts

Runaway Trains
by Russell Jenkins
October 21, 2025
Rainbow Bee-eater diving into a dam on the Darling Downs, Queensland, September 2025.

Runaway Trains

Not long ago, I finished only my second real holiday since before the pandemic. It was my second visit to Australia since 2019. The days went by so fast. I barely started each day and my mind and body were overtaken by the atoms buzzing around me. I thought I had plans, but I had no chance to do everything with few days and the distractions all about me. All better than my plans. Each day was like riding in an old wooden buffet car of a runaway train.
- Brown Goshawk
- Australian Pelican
- Black Swan
I had barely stepped both feet out of the customs and security exits at Brisbane Airport and I was amazed to see the large soaring figure of an adult White-bellied Sea-Eagle in front of the passenger pick-up. Rob and Rod then grabbed me by the collar and we were whisked around giant warehouses where bouncing monster trucks were surrounded by Australian Pelicans, Black Swans, Mangrove Gerygones, Superb Fairy-wrens, Brown Goshawks, Brahminy Kites and other distant sea eagles. So much was going on before the minute-hand completed a single circuit. And as far as a buffet car goes, in Japan, we can enjoy many exotic delicacies like miso ramen, sashimi from the Sea of Japan, koshihikari rice, sasadangos, and even Murakami beef, but nothing is anything like one of Sid’s pies.

Tawny Frogmouth

Cutlery bounced and rattled on the saucer in front of me with all the windows wide down as the carriage slid and clattered and rattled on rusted, weathered rails. I stuck my head out into the sunshine and hooed and cooed with the wind blasting up my nostrils. It only seemed a moment before we faded into the dark quiet of a tunnel, and I awoke back, bouncing around in my booth with the roar of the wind, and persistent calls of Butcherbirds, Magpies, Currawongs, Lorikeets, and even a distant Kookaburra, announcing the start another journey on the new Bakelite speakers.

Rainbow Bee-eater with a wasp.

It was the middle of the week in September when we trekked to the doorstep of the west. Far away from working days in the city. Thank you to Martin and Karen for your generosity. Milly, Lincoln, Blackie, and the Bottle Trees, all greeted me kindly and I listened intently to the absence of motors and devices. The depth of the night sky is truly incredible from here. The sky is so bright, and the ground so dark; until your headlamp catches thousands of eyes of Wolf Spiders gazing back at you. Like a reflection of the night sky.

On the second night, as I went to unzip the entrance to my tent, a large Huntsman ran down along the path of the zipper and departed to the right. I entered the tent, organised my things, and as I lay down I realised I hadn’t closed the outer flaps. Not to worry. The night breeze was clean and fresh and I could watch satellites pass through the stars. Then it started to rain. A city boy in the bush, I unzipped the inner layer to reach out and zip up the outer. All done, I rested flat on my back and watched the return of the Huntsman. He was inside the outer layer but outside the inner layer. His shape was beautiful directly above my face and I fell deeply asleep.

Double-barred Finch late in the morning

I woke in the same position. Like I came out of the tunnel unmoved. It was just before six, and the spider had gone. I thought about how clear my mind felt and I had no pain in my back. Then I noticed the wisps and trills of Fairy-wrens just metres to the back of my tent. The train carriage was sharply bouncing about and I had no time to relax. It was the third and final chance to chase Purple-backed Fairy-wrens. They had been there from the start. They hopped and chatted right in front of me but were always obscured by sticks and stalks, and leaves. When I crept closer they would go to the back of the shrub they were in, then flutter to a farther bush. I followed them blindly and I treaded steadfully onward, but they out-paced me as they dispersed outback. I finally gave up the chase realising each time their voices had become more distant and spread out. It was unlikely I could catch up with them. I stood alone. Only in view of the Bottle Trees. The tea in my cup was stale and cold and the carriage was empty. I would head back to the camp. Then I noticed. Every time I headed back to the camp, the fairies would follow me. They’d get close behind just before I could get back to my seat. I thought they were tormenting me.

I don’t remember when it happened. The fairy-wrens were around the camp and I begrudgingly got off my seat to have another go at capturing their image. I felt somewhat cynical, and doubtful. It was still nice being beside the trees and the grasses, but I was less ambitious about my photography and stopped and browsed my camera menu. I totally removed my attention from the birds. Without any warning, five of them popped their faces out barely 2 metres away. As if they were wondering why I was no longer playing with them. In just a moment I grabbed some pictures to be happy with. Then I knew they weren’t tormenting me at all. Maybe they enjoyed the attention and were playing with me. It felt like a Dreamtime story. I’m sure it is. I miss them now. Not for their pictures, but for their companionship.
I would understand if Ludwig Leichhardt followed Fairy-wrens far, far through the lands and into the stars.

Rob and I attempted to photograph Rainbow Bee-eaters as they splashed into a dam for insects, and the sun slowly went down. It was amazing and frustrating, and we didn’t know if we were getting any useful photographs, yet we could have continued that for eternity too, if the day hadn’t ended.
(Images Below: Spiny-checked Honey-eater in flight, Brown Honey-eater drinking, and Black-striped Wallabies.)
Grey Kangaroos on the Darling Downs

I visited the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Parade for the first time in more than twenty years. They announced it was only the second time it had ever rained. Niigata City celebrated their dance festival during the same period, and it was reported to me when I returned, that it was sunny. It rained there my last few visits. One must not be superstitious.

South-eastern Queensland is vivid and beautiful in September. I was freezing at night during my first week, but the forecast was for 36 Celsius in Brisbane just days after I left. It is an old, wooden carriage that rattles and bounces, and bumps. But the light bounces like metal wheels in all directions and the breezes bring aromas of pollen, bat poo, oxygen and stories.

Lace Monitor on the Darling Downs
- Welcome Swallow
- Leaden Flycatcher
- Yellow-rumped Thornbill
- Orchid
Bearded Dragon in the Lockyer Valley

Superb Fairy-wren at Duggan Park

I gate-crashed one event of the inaugural Toowoomba Bird Fair. It is now part of the Carnival of Flowers, which is forever blooming brighter and wider. My friend Mick, picked me up this time as well as helping a birding tour of Duggan Park, where we found Superb Fairy-wrens, Yellow-rumped Thornbills, Welcome Swallows, Galahs, Little Corellas, White Ibis, Wedge-tailed Eagles, et, al; and even a Dollarbird. Furthermore, I was reminded there are other people in the world who love birds and even photograph them. Mick and I then witnessed the beginning of a whole new era of naturalists and Astro travellers taking up the art at the Toowoomba Bird Habitat with bird focussed activities for children. I hope they’ll join up to celebrate the 50th reunion in 2075, and laugh about the days when they started.

Galah

Little Corella

I cannot complete a complete diary of my holiday for there is limited space on the internet. I can only recall my tour along the north shore of Brisbane, where we ate fish and chips, and prawns from the hand-script of Herman Melville. I bought a freshly made Cappuccino and sipped it as I photographed a beautiful Brahminy Kite. I’ve decided now to always sip cappuccinos while photographing raptors. That was on a Friday. On Monday morning I was asked to teach the alphabet to Grade Threes. Fortunately, the students were patient and kind to me as I fumbled through it. Just as everyone else.
- Dogfight between Australian Hobby and a Whistling Kite
- Magpie Geese at Gatton Uni
- Yellow-rumped Thornbill
- Magpie Goose in flight
I didn’t see who placed a new cup of tea in front of me, but I see the cup is now sitting still and quiet on the saucer, and the tea is hot and fresh. Thank you. It would be nice though, to have just one more chocolate brownie.

Osprey House
- Crested Tern
- Brahminy Kite
The End
Dark, Quiet,
by Russell Jenkins
January 2, 2025

Apart from my visit to Australia, my 2024 was fairly uneventful birding wise. I’m on holidays at the moment but rain, rain, rain, wind, wind, wind, has been the schedule since December started. Snow is on the menu for tomorrow. The max will be 3, but it has been steadily going between 3 and 5 Celsius for a while now. It is dark. The middle of the day is too dark for bird photography. I’ve had my eye on the Nikkor 600mm f6.3 for a while, but it’d be too dark at that aperture. Even f4 struggles in the middle of winter here.

The photos I’m adding today are from a stroll through Toyanogata on the first day of 2025. It was a better day than last year. I ended up huddled on a rooftop with the threat of tsunami after the earthquake, and the year before I was sick in bed. Yesterday was dark, but I could go for a walk. I saw a Great-spotted Woodpecker, a Northern Goshawk and a Japanese Green Pheasant, but I was too slow to get clear shots. I did see lots of shrikes however. I don’t have many photos of shrikes, so I might try and get some if I have a chance in the days ahead. Birds were the usual suspects, and I was focussing on a Brown-eared Bulbul when it narrowly escaped a charging shrike. The shrike was much smaller, but very fast and aggressive. I always see these things and forget to take the photo!

Bull-headed Shrike
A Visit Home
by Russell Jenkins
December 28, 2024

Five years is a long time. I’d last visited home before the covid stuff, but I eventually got home to see family and friends, eat a lot, and spend some time with my beloved Australian nature this August. I could write about everyone and everything as a detailed summary, but I feel it’s December now, and time has passed. No need to write about the details. Just tell that it was the highlight of my year, and I want to say thank you to all.

I will say I had the most amazing experience with this beautiful Square-tailed Kite who didn’t care about me standing right in front of it when it came and broke off nesting materials, then circled all around me. What a wonderful experience.
A Flurry of Ospreys
by Russell Jenkins
April 10, 2024

When I was a kid, I read old yellowing pages about the effects of the agricultural chemical DDT on raptors such as Ospreys and Peregrine Falcons. The birds ingested the chemical via their diet and it caused the thinning of their eggshells. The rate they were disappearing, it was unlikely they’d see the new century.

I remember seeing my first Osprey sitting high up on a dead tree at the side of the Tingalpa Reservoir, Capalaba, (Queensland, Australia) during the hot mid-afternoon sun on Christmas Day in 1988. I was thrilled and took almost a whole roll of film with my Pentax K1000 and Sigma 80-250mm lens. I think my photos just looked like a grey match stick – the stem of the branch with a grey round blob at the end of it. (Maybe expensive slide film such as Ektachrome).

In the last week of March this year, 2024, I was standing at the edge of the Fukushimagata (wetlands) in Niigata, and I saw an osprey overhead. No big deal anymore. They are resident at the wetlands, and I am used to seeing them. However, after that osprey went by, another one came from another direction. I was lining up a circling bird to photograph it when another crossed its path with a large fish. I was just there for about two hours and saw a continuous flow of busy ospreys. The wetlands are surrounded by vast, then empty rice fields that had just thawed from the winter, and the ospreys crossed the fields at random. I went for a walk away from the wetland area and I saw one osprey hurrying over my left shoulder towards the water, and as I turned to watch it, I saw another one passing over me with another fish. I took it for granted and just visited twice. I think it rained on the Tuesday, but I saw it all happening again on the Wednesday. I visited again on the Friday and stood there for four hours, but didn’t see one. The flurry had finished. It was pretty amazing to see in Japan, twenty-four years into the new century. If I think back to 1988, I had no idea, I’d ever see such a thing.
Uncropped 500mm Full-frame Bird Photos at Wetlands on a Dull Winter Day
by Russell Jenkins
March 12, 2024

What a catchy title, I know, but as my usual Goldilocks-self, I had been pining for that 400mm 4.5 Nikon lens for the last year and a bit. For me, quick and nimble gets most of my best pics, but my experience yesterday, made me feel ‘Goldilocks’ should stick with the porridge she has. 500mm maybe just right for now.

It was sunny a fair bit after the January 1 earthquake, but I didn’t’t feel like standing at the edge of a remote wetland worrying about aftershocks and the near-by sea. Yesterday, was my first outing to Fukushimagata since December 28, 2023. It was pretty dull when I got there and I think most of the swans and geese have already headed north. I saw an eagle back in December, but I think any “Steller’s”, would be gone by now, though I think we should still have a chance to see a “white-tail” until the end of March. The joy of the day was the continuing views of osprey appearing every few minutes and catching fish around me.

I think my 500mm f5.6 is still pretty nice despite squeaks and rattles after five years of regular use. The new 600mm f6.3 might suit me better if I love standing around the wetlands, but as you can see by the dullness of these images, I am wary of going from 5.6 to 6.3, even though it is such a small difference.

Way back when I was young, osprey and peregrines were fading in numbers and became symbols of the damage of chemicals to the environment but I’m happy to announce that these many years later, osprey are one of the more common raptors I see in Niigata.

They seemed to be finding fish just behind a small island not so far off-shore from where I was standing but they’d disappear behind the reeds. I could hear the ‘splash’, but would have to wait for them to come back up before I could see them again.

Some ducks still remain, always lots of Great Cormorants and Great Grebe, with a few Marsh Harriers floating around the place. I love seeing them up against the snow-covered mountains. Of course it’s nice to have close-ups, but framing them in the surrounding environment is more, er, more. It’s more to look at?

Well. Not much snow this winter, and it’s raining here much of the time but I hope to return soon. March at Fukushimagata has its surprises.