Birds of Yoyogi Park

[Ely Teehankee]

Final birding destination is the Yoyogi Park where the Meiji Shrine is located and the 54 hectares area was supposed to be part of the failed 2016 Summer Olympics Volleyball arena. It is located in Shibuya, Tokyo. Our stay in Tokyo enabled Tateo & I to go to Tsukiji, the biggest fish market in the world. We had fresh grilled Scallops, Oysters, and Japanese eel. We also had Chutoro, the raw tuna belly, uni, and other raw fresh seafood. The price is about one fourth of what it cost here and this is one of the reasons why the Japanese has one of the world's highest rate of longevity. Men has a life expectancy of 80 years, 8th in the world, while women at 87 is number one. In every place we went to we were hoping to see the Mandarin Duck. This was our last chance.



Canon EOS 1DX, Canon EF 800mm f5.6L IS USM, Gitzo GT3530LS tripod, M-3.6 Mongoose Gimbal Action Head. Manual exposure in available light.




We walk about 2 kilometers from the train stop to a small lagoon where the guard told us that there has been a sighting of the Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata) 18 inches. After waiting for almost 1 hour, I saw this small but colorful duck swimming in the mangrove area. It was about 35 meters out but I did not hesitate to take a shot at it for this was going to be a lifer.
1/60 sec., f/5.6, ISO 1600




While waiting for the Mandarin duck to make his next move after hiding in the mangroves, I saw this Little Grebe (Tachbaptus ruficollis) 10 inches approaching. I waited until it was within 10 meters and started taking his picture.
1/640 sec., f/5.6, ISO 1600




There were also some Mallards in the pond and I waited for them to come closer but the lights were tricky as the sun was starting to shine on the pond.
1/200 sec., f/5.6, ISO 1600




I saw the Mandarin Duck moved a little bit and as it looked like he was not going to go out in the open, I took some shots telling myself better to have some pictures than nothing at all.
1/80 sec., f/5.6, ISO 1600




The most beautiful duck I have ever seen and even if I did not get a good close up picture, the quench for seeing one in the wild and being able to take some photographs gave me a sense of fulfillment.
1/200 sec., f/5.6, ISO 1600

[Tateo Osawa]

All very nice shots from Yoyogi Park, Ely. I enjoy very much. Your Mandarin duck very good but mine is not like yours because it is already late when I take the shot. The sun is already high so I can get the real color.

[Ely Teehankee]

Jan 26, 2015 15:14:45 GMT Tateo Osawa said:

All very nice shots from Yoyogi Park, Ely. I enjoy very much. Your Mandarin duck very good but mine is not like yours because it is already late when I take the shot. The sun is already high so I can get the real color.

Thank you Tateo for your appreciation. I also enjoyed birding with you especially after birding when we go and look for a nice restaurant to eat. LOL.