Birding around Hirono (広野) on Sunday, March 20

Time:   7:45-11:30
No. Bird Species Observed: 34

Despite the chilly and gusty conditions, I decided to head out to Hirono (広野) in central Hyogo on Sunday morning.  It was my first time birding in this area so I was hoping to see some different bird species.

Hirono is about a 45-minute train ride from JR Osaka station on the Fukuchiyama line.  The area looked promising for birding on the satellite map, with a variety of habitats: rice fields, lakes, riparian vegetation, and secondary growth deciduous forests.  The Muko River (武庫川), one of the bigger rivers in the region, runs right through the middle of the town.

Birding route from Hirono Station

I started at Hirono station and walked up the river for about 1.5 km, seeing fewer ducks and other waterfowl than I expected.  Some of the birds spotted along the river included Bull-headed Shrikes (モズ), Mallards (マガモ), and three species of bunting: Rustic (カシラダカ), Meadow (ホオジロ), and Black-faced (アオジ).  A few Green Pheasants (キジ) were heard calling in the denser patches of riparian vegetation.

Male Blue Rock Thrush (イソヒヨドリ) near Hirono train station 

Typical habitats around Hirono: rice fields and deciduous forest (Black Kite in center)

Curious Japanese Tit (シジュウカラ) in riverside vegetation

From there I wandered off away from the river to the east into the rice fields, and here I saw my first Barn Swallows (ツバメ) for the year.  Eurasian Skylarks (ヒバリ) were busy singing and Dusky Thrush (ツグミ) were everywhere, blending in perfectly with the bare rice fields.

My next destination was Senjoji Lake.  The water was choppy as a cold wind blew from the north.  A large flock of Great Cormorants (カワウ) were feeding in the center of the lake.  Others were nesting in a colony in some lakeside trees, the leaves of the trees discolored white with cormorant droppings.  Several Black Kites were hanging around the nesting colony, perhaps waiting for a chance to rob a nest of its eggs.

Senjoji Lake

Great Cormorant nesting colony on the edge of the lake

After following the edge of the lake for several kilometers, I headed back to the train station through some deciduous forest.  Here Japanese Pygmy Woodpeckers (コゲラ) were easy to find as they drummed away, and the song of Japanese Bush Warblers (ウグイス) was a reminder that spring had started.  The trip ended well after a startled Eastern Buzzard (ノスリ) suddenly flew off from a roadside tree about 10 meters ahead as I walked along the road. 

Altogether, 34 species were observed--less than expected, but not bad considering the conditions.  I'd like to revisit the area when more migrants arrive in April or early May.