Japanese Green Pigeon

Location: Terugasaki, Oiso, Kanagawa

Access: Tokyo Station to Oiso Station - JR Tokaido Line

Weather: Cloudy - Overcast, Warm, Light Breeze

Time: 7.30am - 8.30am

Birds: Black Kite, Little Tern, Japanese Green Pigeon, Barn Swallow

Comments: We are here to see Japanese Green Pigeon, and see them we do. Small to large flocks totalling more than 50 birds periodically fly down to the rocks just off Terugasaki Beach to drink seawater!

Link: Komatan - The web page of the Hiratsuka & Oiso Birdwatching Club for the Japanese Green Pigeon

2006 Japan Bird Count: 114 Species

Chinese Bamboo Partridge

Location: Tamashinrinkagakuen, Hachioji, Tokyo

Access: Shinjuku Station to Takao Station - JR Chuo Line

Weather: Overcast, Drizzle - Light Rain, Cool, Light Breeze

Time: 9.30am - 12.00pm

Birds: Chinese Bamboo Partridge, Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker, Barn Swallow, Brown-eared Bulbul, Japanese Bush Warbler, Varied Tit, Great Tit, Japanese White-eye, Jungle Crow, Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Comments: Gates open at 9.30am for the 56ha park, Tamashinrinkagakuen, and the cost is 300 Yen per adult (rising to 400 Yen during the Cherry Blossom season). We arrive a little early and by the time it opens there is a light rain falling which continues for the duration of our walk along the many beautifully maintained paths.

It's not a great day for seeing birds, but near station 7 we do spot two Chinese Bamboo Partridge in deep grass. However, within a minute they are gone. Despite efforts taking me along paths maked with "No Entry" signs, I fail to relocate them!

Link: Homepage

2006 Japan Bird Count: 113 Species