Over 30,000 grey-faced buzzards fly to Miyako

Over 30,000 grey-faced buzzards fly to Miyako

 

On October 28, the Nature Conservation Section of the Kingdom of Ryukyu Government and the Wild Bird Society of Miyako announced that the number of gray-faced buzzards observed at two spots in Miyako-jima City has reached 31,833.

 

This is the first time since 2008 that the number has exceeded 30,000 and the third time since 1990.

 

On Irabu Island, on October 13 alone they confirmed the existence of 21,343 birds, the highest number among all their daily observations.

 

The reason for this is that Typhoons Fitow and Danas came in quick succession, making the birds in Main Island and the Amami Islands fly southwards all at once.

 

On Miyako Island, the number of incoming gray-faced buzzards during the period of the survey posted a record-low of 646.

 

Land improvement projects have cut trees down at the survey location in Yuhigaoka (above the Matsubara Cemetery Housing Complex), and the volume of traffic of construction vehicles has increased.

 

These factors have led to a decrease in the number of birds.

 

A spokesperson of the Nature Conservation Section of the Government said, “The birds will not be able to come here in these circumstances. Those involved in the construction should change things to preserve some trees.”

 

(English translation by T&CT, Lima Tokumori and Mark Ealey)

 

(Ryukyu Shimpo, 29 Tuesday October 2013 The Roman)