Rose-ringed Parakeet

Originally imported into Japan as a pet, the Wakakehonsei-inko (Rose-ringed Parakeet) has been observed in the wild since 1965. Today, they are seen widely across the Tokyo area, but roost in their largest numbers (400-700 individulas) at the Tokyo Institute of Technology (Okayama campus); which has set up a web site and study group.

Occasionally, they even make it out to the Kanagawa region, where we saw 4 individuals flying near the Sagamihara Housing Area for the US Army Japan.

Website: The Wakakehonsei-inko Page - Tokyo Institute of Technology

2006 Japan Bird Count: 117 Species

Ducks Making their Return

Location: Sagamihara Chosuichi, Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture

Access: Shinjuku Station to Sagamiono Station - Odakyu Line. Sagamiono Station to Joshibi University of Art and Design (last stop) - Bus 60 from Stand 3. Walk from University Bus Stop through Sagamihara Koen to Sagamihara Chosuichi

Weather: 7/8 Cloud (Overcast), Cool - Warm, Light Breeze

Time: 1.00pm - 2.00pm

Birds: Little Grebe, Great Cormorant, Grey Heron, Eurasian Wigeon, Common Teal, Mallard, Spot-billed Duck, Oriental Turtle Dove, Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker, White Wagtail, Brown-eared Bulbul, Long-tailed Tit, Varied Tit, Great Tit, Azure-winged Magpie, Jungle Crow, Grey Starling, Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Comments: A new baby keeps me indoors most days now, hence a lack of entries over the last few months. But today, I take a small walk....

As winter spreads its far reaching tendrils towards Sagamihara Chosuichi, so the ducks slowly make their return. Large numbers of Common Teal on the concrete banks, with just a hand-full of Mallard and Eurasian Wigeon.