Upon My Return to the Backyard

This afternoon my brain was dazed due to the jet lag.  As I looked into my backyard, one warbler just arrived.  Right now the pear blossoms are gone, the blueberry flowers are not many....  Under these unfavorable conditions, Orange-crowned Warbler arrived to welcome my return.

"Hello!  I can find bugs around here."

"I'm gonna swallow tender bugs on the new rose leaves."

"I'll find more bugs on the sweet honeysuckles, too.  I'll be back."

Pretty Pink

As we walked through a Tokyo suburb, we saw more cherry blossoms.  It reminds me of the beginning of the school year (In Japan, the school year begins in April and ends in March), a somewhat refreshing atmosphere in the air.

Then near a high school compound, I noticed several pigeons.  From up on the street light, one was flying down to greet me.

"I'm coming down to see you there!"

"I am Rock Dove カワラバト（河原鳩、学名：Columba livia）.  

My ancestors came to Japan from Central Asia about 1500 years ago.   

I am very friendly, will make a great pet, and can work as a messenger."

A Clear Day in Tokyo

After a windy day, the sky became clear.  Mt. Fuji was visible from the river bank near my home.

If you look closely, you can see many birds flying in the sky.

A nearby canal was lined with cherry blossoms.  Waterfowl and birds enjoy the scene.

Out of crows, house sparrows, swallows, and others, this bird was more curious and staring at me for a while.

"I bet you are new here.  Am I right?  I am Dusky Thrush, 

wintering in Japan and returning to Siberia for summer."

A Great Blue Heron in a Tokyo Garden

In Tokyo, I visited Rikugien Garden (六義園), which originally belonged to a Daimyo (local king) and later was changed to a public garden.  The cherry blossoms are about over and the azaleas are about to bloom in full for the coming festival.

There was one Great Blue Heron looking at visitors.

"Ummm, a lot of people here.  I wish there were more fish to go around."

A Migration Stop

Last several days are filled with spring showers.  It helps keep Oregon green and spring flowers growing.  I found bleeding hearts getting heavy with many buds.

One such a rainy day, one White-crowned Sparrow stopped by.  This sparrow has a problem with his/her right foot.  Maybe that is why someone placed the metal marking to keep track.

 "Despite the foot, I have no problem in finding food and keeping fit."

"See how quickly I can maneuver."

Note: For the next couple of weeks I will be busy.  Afterwards, I will be back to blog writing as usual.  See you then.