NAHA - A rare migratory bird seldom seen in Okinawa has become the talk of the town after appearing in Nago City. The bird, identified as a spoonbill, was spotted along the Nasada River in the city’s Kogachi district.
While the black-faced spoonbill is occasionally observed within the prefecture, sightings of the regular spoonbill are considered extremely rare.
Yutaka Tokuchi, a manager at the nationally designated Yagaji Wildlife Protection Area, commented: "The bird itself is rare, but it’s even more remarkable to be able to see it from such a close distance."
Drawn by the unusual visitor, local elementary school students rushed to the riverbank to catch a glimpse. One child, delighted by the encounter, said, "I’m very happy to see such a rare bird."
The spoonbill is expected to remain in the Nago area for a while to rest its wings before continuing its migration.
Source: 沖縄ニュースOTV
