Birder Alert Hello from Amakusa! Due to the typhoon, our precious long weekend was pretty much a write-off. Monday however was a gorgeous day and we enjoyed the day hiking and paragliding in Kuratake (the highest mountain in Amakusa). During flight we were able to observe large groups of hawks circling together with our paragliders. These birds are called Akaharadaka (Chinese Sparrowhawks) and are currently migrating south to overwinter in the Philippines. These hawks as well as various migrating birds including cranes can be observed flying over Amakusa at this time of year. The best location to bird watch in Amakusa is Mt.Rokuroji in the south of Amakusa. Be sure to bring your binoculars and fancy camera lenses! https://www.city.amakusa.kumamoto.jp/kiji0031394/index.html
Leanne Vibe