On our Japan - Southern Islands birding extension we will visit the small island of Amami, home to the striking Lidth’s Jay, Amami Thrush and the scarce Amami Woodcock, before venturing to the island of Okinawa, where a host of exciting endemics can be found – endangered Okinawa Woodpecker, recently discovered Okinawa Rail, stunning Ryukyu Robin and Ryukyu Minivet are just some of the island’s exciting species that we hope to see!
*2024 Prices are estimated and dates may change*
Top Birds
Okinawa Rail, Amami Woodcock, Black-faced Spoonbill, Ryukyu and Japanese Scops Owls, Northern Boobook, Japanese Wood Pigeon, Ryukyu Green Pigeon, Okinawa, Japanese Pygmy and White-backed (Owston's) Woodpeckers, Lidth’s Jay, Amami, Izu and Brown-headed Thrushes, Ryukyu and Okinawa Robins, Japanese (Owston's) Robin, Ryukyu Minivet, Japanese Cormorant, Grey-faced Buzzard, Ryukyu Flycatcher, Owston's and Varied Tits, Long-toed Stint, Cinnamon Bittern, Short-tailed, Black-footed and Laysan Albatrosses, Tristram's Storm Petrel, Streaked Shearwater
Top Mammals
Amami Rabbit (Black Hare), Ryukyu Flying Fox, Ryukyu Long-tailed Giant Rat, Ryukyu Spiny Rat
Habitats Covered
“Itajii” (evergreen oak forests), estuaries, rocky coastlines, wetlands, rice paddies, irrigation channels, open ocean/seas
Expected Climate
mild to cold
Max Group Size
10 with 1 Rockjumper leader & local birding leader
Tour Pace & Walking
moderate pace, undemanding walks
Accommodation
comfortable hotels & ferry rooms, all en suite
Ease of Birding
easy to moderate
Number of Species Expected
around 100
Photographic Opportunities
good
Client Testimonials
Erik is a wonderful guide with great birding skills and the ability to help everyone possible see the bird. He is funny and has a pleasant manner to everyone at all times.
This trip was quite an experience: Earthquakes, an erupting volcano, a major blizzard, raw fish and squid for breakfast, some incredible dining experiences, great scenery, and a wicked lot of fantastic birds! Erik Forsyth did a very good job with the tour. He was a bit more laid back than I am used to, but we really had good luck with the birds. A lot of that also had to do with Bryan Shirley, who is also an excellent guide. Erik and Bryan made a great team and appeared to really enjoy the trip, which was infectious for the rest of the group.
Glen, as usual, was the best. This is our third trip with him and would not hesitate to do many more.
The birding and bird vocalisation skills of Erik Forsyth and local guide Bryan Shirley are simply outstanding. So far, I've probably met only 2 guides who were only just about as good as these two!