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Bird Watching in Okinawa Okinawa is a relatively small island but it is home to hundreds of species of birds, such as the Shirogashira and Isohiyodori. You do not need to travel far distances to go bird watching in Okinawa. You can enjoy bird watching anywhere on the island, even in populated areas. Extremely accessible, birds in Okinawa are highly conspicuous and easily seen. They can be found in a wide variety of places and are abroad both day and night. The people of Okinawa have always felt a special appreciation for nature and bird watching is one of the best ways to get out into nature and keep in touch with the awe and mystery of the natural world. It is not surprising then why bird watching has become one of the favorite recreational activities on the island. Okinawa is a fascinating place for beginner and professional bird watchers. Here are some tips to help you enjoy bird watching in Okinawa. There are many kinds of birds that can be found only in Okinawa. The Yanbarukuina and Noguchigera, for example, are very rare birds that cannot be found anywhere else. The Munaguro you see in this picture is another bird that can be found only in Okinawa. Although it is the same black-feathered bird that is usually found in mainland Japan, the munaguro undergoes a startling change when it migrates to Okinawa in the winter - its feathers turn to white. Most people find it hard to believe that the white feathered munaguro found in Okinawa in the winter is the same as the black feathered ones that live in mainland Japan. Other species of birds that can be found in Okinawa are the brown-eared Chestnut-eared Bulbul (hiyodori) and Great Tit (shijukara). Like the munaguro, these birds also undergo a startling transformation when they migrate to Okinawa during winter. While in mainland Japan, these birds can be seen sporting white feathers; however, once they fly to Okinawa in the winter time, their feathers turn to black. You can enjoy bird watching anytime during the year in Okinawa. Birds from all over Asia and mainland Japan visit the island non-stop throughout the year to rest from their journeys, seek refuge from the cold, or search for food, In the summer, the migrating birds such as the tern, the Akashoubin and the Ajisashi go north to breed. During spring and autumn, traveling birds such as the Koajisashi pass by Okinawa as they fly across the equator. Large groups of akaharadaka (hawks) also pass by Okinawa two or three times a year. Bird watchers eagerly anticipate their coming and exchange information so they will not miss their arrival. Winter is the season for the white egret. They usually stay in their own habitats the rest of the year but come winter, they fly to Okinawa to escape the cold. You can find them in the tidal mud flats of Man lake, Okukubi river, and Yagaji. (Note: In winter, the tidal mud flats on Okinawa are relatively cold so remember to wear a windbreaker) There is a big difference between bird watching in Okinawa and bird watching in Mainland Japan. Because Okinawa is such a narrow island - only 30 km. across - it is easy to spot birds from wherever you are. You don't even have to make any special preparations to go bird watching. Wherever you are in Okinawa, all you have to do is look up at the sky and the birds will be there, soaring in the wind. When we think of bird watching, most of us imagine a busload of serious looking people dressed in khaki shorts and hiking boots, pad and pencil in their hands, and binoculars swinging from their necks. That might be right, some of the time. But most of the time, bird watchers are ordinary people who just happen to be in a place where birds live - and in Okinawa that can be just anywhere. Okinawa is a natural haven for birds so while you are here, take advantage of the opportunity to go bird watching. Keep an eye out for the birds, and surely they will bring a smile to your lips and sparkle to your eyes.