18th July was my last day in Japan and, with the extreme temperatures in the mid-30s, I only planned to do some low key stuff. Early in the morning, I headed out to Kasai Rinkai Park. If you're ever staying in Tokyo, this is a good place for birding that's easily accessible on the train from the city centre. The birds were fairly subdued but I got my first Greenshank and Eurasian Curlews of the trip. A small group of Azure-winged Magpies also showed nicely. There was an unexpected mammal highlight when I had very good views of a Japanese Racoon Dog at the edge of one of the reedbeds.
I then headed on the train to visit the Yatsu Tidal Flat. The station is in the middle of a huge interchange of roads and railway lines, but there's a nice shady path along the tidal basin, which gives good views out over the water and mud. A Scaup was a bit of a surprise among the other ducks. There weren't many waders around but I enjoyed good views of a group of 15 Lesser Sand Plovers ('Mongolian' types) and a Grey-tailed Tattler.
That was enough heat for one day and I headed back into Tokyo to hang about in air-conditioned 'pod hotel', where I was able to get some rest before my flight. Despite a valiant attempt to miss the flight, I boarded the plane just after midnight and was back in Aberdeen by late morning on 19th.
I saw 194 species in all, with a good selection of mammals and other species. 28 were lifers, which isn't a huge number, but was about what I expected. I'd recommend Japan as a destination without reservation. It's an enjoyable and easy place to travel in and has very good birding.
I then headed on the train to visit the Yatsu Tidal Flat. The station is in the middle of a huge interchange of roads and railway lines, but there's a nice shady path along the tidal basin, which gives good views out over the water and mud. A Scaup was a bit of a surprise among the other ducks. There weren't many waders around but I enjoyed good views of a group of 15 Lesser Sand Plovers ('Mongolian' types) and a Grey-tailed Tattler.
That was enough heat for one day and I headed back into Tokyo to hang about in air-conditioned 'pod hotel', where I was able to get some rest before my flight. Despite a valiant attempt to miss the flight, I boarded the plane just after midnight and was back in Aberdeen by late morning on 19th.
I saw 194 species in all, with a good selection of mammals and other species. 28 were lifers, which isn't a huge number, but was about what I expected. I'd recommend Japan as a destination without reservation. It's an enjoyable and easy place to travel in and has very good birding.
