Sekino-E

I visited the fields at Sekino-e (関の江) very often since the beginning of October, even before I found the goose. Here's a compilation of photos I took earlier last month, mainly damselflies and herons. October seems to be a very good month for dragonflies and damselflies before they disappear during winter. One of the most numerous species was the tiny turquoise Ischnura senegalensis. I enjoyed taking my time photographing these tiny insects under the warm evening light a lot.

Ischnura senegalensis

The brown ones are females.

There weren't so many new migrants during the first half of the month actually, but it's gotten much better towards the second half. The Daurian Redstarts are among the first decent migrants. This year, I first found them at Sekino-e on October 17, one day later than last year (October 16). A few thrushes(either Dusky or Pale) were seen during the last week of October and the number of Common Teal has dramatically increased towards the end of the month. Other birds like Grey Herons, Common Kingfishers, Japanese Grosbeaks and Great Egrets were constantly seen throughout the month.

Non-breeding Great Egrets (Casmerodius albus)

Grey Herons (Ardea cinerea)

The first flock of Chinese Spot-billed Ducks (Anas zonorhyncha) in Beppu.
Although there are plenty in Oita, I've never seen one in Beppu before.

A kind of Skipper butterfly. Don't know which one?