Owls Can't Move Their Eyes Like We Do

 Here's A Closeup Look 

This Northern Boobook (Ninox japonica) is an owl photographed in Okinawa, Japan.

The Japanese would call it (アオバズク) Aobazuku. 

It's a medium-sized owl that's a subspecies of the Brown Hawk Owl.

Notice it has a round-shaped head without any ear-tufts sticking out of it.

Bright yellow eyes, some folks think are comical (not me), and yellow talons are noticeable.

Other identifying marks are the dark brown feathers with brown and white streaks upfront.

The bird also has a distinctive black beak.

Hang on for the Eyeball Part!

It took a while for me to get proof from National Geographic that owls can't move their eyes.

They have to swivel their heads around because their eyeballs aren't in sockets like ours.

Here's an animation, made from several photos, of the bird looking around for prey.

It was the morning before a typhoon so, things are kind of misty and windy.

These birds are found in China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.

They hang out in wooded areas and forests up to 1700 meters in elevation.

The bird is a raptor that catches insects in flight and that's not all they eat.

They've been known to grab smaller birds, lizards, and bats.

See more about this Northern Boobook at:

Avibase

National Geographic

Wikipedia

Wordless Wednesday: I GIF You the Bird

Also, see Japanese White Eyes in Cherry Blossoms

Wordless Wednesday: Okinawa's Cloudy Supermoon FEB 2019

Suzume (スズメ) the Tree Sparrow Doing Pizza Crust

Feathered Friends Don't Go Hungry

Not out in the wilderness chasing wildlife, I've spent plenty of time at home this summer.

It's so hot and humid no one wanders far from air conditioning for more than a few minutes.

A place called Gate 1 (ゲートワン) nearby, serves various types of pizza.

When I get the urge to eat some pizza, it's worth a few minutes walking in the hot sun.

A pizza takes them about 20 minutes, to bake and box up for customers.

I don't mind sitting in their air-conditioned waiting area waiting for my order.

A large pizza is enough for two meals, around this house and nothing goes to waste.

At Gate #2, to my residence, a flock of these Tree Sparrows congregates.

Leftover pizza crust and bread crumbs are provided for the birds, daily.

When I have 700 MM of a lens, the camera, and tripod handy, I shoot them.

Soon things should start cooling off on this island and, I'll get back to hiking in nature.

What do you do with pizza crust in your neck of the woods?

RELATED POST - Animation: Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Wordless Wednesday: Waisting Time

GIF of American Village Ferris Wheel

It Doesn't Really Bounce

Here's what happens when an unsteady iPhone is used to create an animation.

Last night I had the opportunity to visit American Village in Chatan.

Sometime, in the future, I'll have to go back with a real camera and a tripod.

The place is some kind of tourist trap if, you ask me.

You know how, back in the USA, they have Chinatowns, where Chinese hangout.

Well, over here, somebody got the idea to make an American place, for Chinese to visit.

It seems to be working quite well. Americans, Chinese and Japanese people go there.

Let's backtrack, to yesterday morning. I had an appointment at the hospital in Nago City.

After a whole month of taking pain-killing drugs, I told the doctor, I'm done with that crap.

I feel fine and was really getting tired of, not-being-able-to-drink-beer.

Immediately after taking the snaps of that amusing ride, I had another mission to accomplish.

That was: Get back into my hometown and drink some cold Orion Draft Beers.

The wife decided to stay at home and I promised, I'd be back early.  So, here's what I did.

Got a ride in a taxi, with a friend and was in the front door promptly, at 4 AM.

If, you like touristy stuff, visit the American Village Ferris Wheel.

It's time for me to run. I have some catching up to do!

Wordless Wednesday: Vane or Vain ?

GIF: Six Minutes of Clouds and October 2017 Moon

Nine Image Animation

A lot can happen, when out shooting the full moon on Okinawa.

The series of photos, used to create this scene, were taken between 6:20 and 6:26 PM.

 The wind was blowing black clouds through the sky and shaking my camera lens.

The color of the moon, changed during that time period, too.

After downloading the camera and, posting images on the blog, I went out for a drink.

Joking with a guy in the bar, I said,"The moon's a moving target."

He agreed and said, "I know. I'm a meteorologist."

That was my chance to ask him, "How come the color of the moon changes, so fast?"

Well, about that time, a beautiful woman, walked into the bar.

So, I quit paying attention to the weatherman. Amen.

GIF: Okinawa Dance at Beiju (米寿) an 88th Birthday in Japan

Grand Event in Okinawa

The 88th birthday celebration takes on a new meaning in Okinawa, Japan.

Friends, family (from Hawaii and Washington state) and, I was even there.

A hall, down in Gushikawa, hosted the event and, Kin Town, provided bus transportation.

Normally, you would never catch me in a suit and, wearing shoes.

But, I got all dolled up for this because, it was a formal event, in honor of Mrs. Yamashiro.

She's the sweetheart, who's always smiling and gardening behind my office.

Lots of bugs, butterflies, flowers and vegetables become subjects for my cameras.

She's always trying to give me vegetables, to take home but, I politely refuse.

The Camera Stayed at the Office

The reason, the town provided transportation, is some serious drinking might be required.

And, that's the reason, I didn't take along any expensive camera equipment.

It was an all-you-can-eat-and-drink type of affair. So, that's what I planned on doing.

While relatives and family, did performances on stage, I consumed plenty of refreshments.

Snapping a few hundred images with the iPhone,  they got sent to the cloud.

When I got back to the office Sunday night, an idea struck me. "You're drunk, go home."

Seven Day Work Weeks

Monday, I decided to spend the day at home and, rest the weary bones.

The wife agreed, it might be a good idea and, the dog loved it. We slept a lot.

Apple's iPhone and that iCloud  are some strange characters.

The camera takes, alright photos and they are fairly large, in size but, need work.

Once a GB of storage in the cloud, gets used up, they want you to pay for more.

The rest of the week I'll probably, decide which photos to keep and process.

Then, a Facebook album, may be created, for Mrs. Yamashiro's friends and family, to see.

Standby for more.....

A Favorite Singer So I GIF-T Her

Live House Dream

The place was shaking with loud rock and folks clapped their hands, while stomping their feet.

Because of the recent rains and passing typhoon, it wasn't as crowded as usual.

That made it a little easier, to get around with the camera so, I was everywhere.

Wanting to travel light, I only brought the Pentax K1 and a 50 MM prime lens.

The nine images used to make this animation were shot at f/2 1/800  ISO 6400.

Normally, I don't use ISO's in that high of a range, to avoid getting grainy photos.

But, it was necessary to get quick shutter speed under those lighting conditions.

Smoke on the Water

They were on the third set, shortly after 11 PM, when they did this number.

Deep Purple's, Smoke on the Water is probably, played by every rock band in Japan.

Aki sings blues too, in English or, Japanese. Take your pick.

Another favorite singer of mine, would be Willie Nelson but, I wouldn't hug the guy.

Aki's, a different story. I don't mind getting hugs from her.

She always, turns her face sideways when she grabs me and, I think I know why.

There's a diamond in her nose and, she may be afraid, I'll snatch it off of her.

Imagine, how many beers you could buy if, you hocked a genuine diamond.

Over 500 times, the shutter clicked on my camera last night.

An album on Facebook, will have some more of the evening's photos.

Each performer, I tried to get good quality images of, to post over there.

Even Aki's mom, was up there, singing on the stage. That was a surprise.

Before midnight, I had to leave, to meet some friends at a another location.

There's no telling, what time the Dream Live House finished up and closed.

About 2 AM, a flock of girls, with Aki, showed up at another bar.

It was a long, busy day, for me and, I knew I'd have to download the camera, early today.

So, I bid everyone farewell and staggered on home. Maybe, it was around 2:30 in the morning.

It seems, I forgot to ask if, the band would be playing live, again tonight.

While, the camera battery is being re-charged maybe, I'll stop downtown and see.

3 GIF's from Sports Day at a Middle School

Fun in the Sun

It's that time of year, again. Undokia or, Sports Day in Japan.

Today's event was at Kin Chugakko, the junior high school, where some grandchildren go.

So, I was out there, with a camera, shooting everybody, just to be safe.

When all the kids, wear the same uniforms and, have black hair, it can be confusing.

As many times as I've gone to these sports days, I've never seen anything like this.

For a second, it looked like they were scooting across the dirt field on a surfboard.

But, upon closer inspection, I realized, they had their feet tied to two plastic pipes.

So, I guess it was some sort of pipe walking race. Coordination helps.

One daughter, gave me a perfect description of a grandson's sportswear.

She told me the color of his shorts, headband and, the number 4, would be on his green t-shirt.

Well, he's some sort of champion runner, faster than a greyhound.

I got a few shots of him but, not enough to make a GIF. So, I shot these kids.

There are still a few thousand photos I haven't looked at, yet.

As they get processed, I'll post some in a Facebook album at Ryukyu Life.

Notice the relay team. They have boys and girls, running each relay.

When the numbers, don't come out right, a gal or guy teacher fills out the team.

They didn't do things that way, back when I was in school. Pretty cool, huh ?

Well, I'm glad I ain't a teacher, anyway.

Eisa is always on of the highlights and, usually, close to the end of an Undokai.

In case, you haven't seen one of those clowns before, he's a chondara.

They play an important role, keeping everyone's spirits up.

The adult ones, even pass out, refreshments, sometimes alcoholic spirits but, not here.

It's too bad, all my grandchildren, couldn't be chondara. It would make life easy.

Somewhere in the crowds of purple Eisa uniforms, I shot today, are my kinfolks.

To be sure, I got my grandchildren, I photographed all the Kin Eisa dancers.

That way maybe, their mothers or fathers, can pick them out.

It was blazing hot out there today and, I must thank the family for all they did.

Tents were pitched, for shade. Food and refreshments were provided.

The best part of all, was they gave me iced coffee and, an air-conditioned ride home ! 

Two Animations of Eisa in Kin Town - Obon 2017

Before Midnight

Many areas were visited during daylight hours by the Eisa groups.

During the day, I'm usually busy with other things and, don't hang around this part of town.

This Kin Eisa gang showed up near my watering holes before midnight.

It Began Raining

Rain might slow them down but, it didn't stop them from performing and smiling.

With the heat and humidity, we've had lately, I think they enjoyed the showers.

Out there following them around, until two this morning, the rain felt great, to me.

While developing these photos, I heard Eisa, down the street and, captured a few more images.

But, they won't be processed or, downloaded until tomorrow.

Out the door, I'm going to chase Eisa dancers, again tonight. Standby for more...

Wordless Wednesday GIF - Great 10 Minute Workout

Subtle Changes in the Rock Garden

An Untrained Eye Might Not Notice

The shadows and light (outdoors) are always changing and, things in the garden, may move.

Today, I took a wide angle lens and tripod along with the camera, out behind my office.

The little woman of my house, made me promise, not to go on a long walk in the hot sun.

Lately, it's been brutally hot in Okinawa, shortly after the sun rises.

Most of my winter hide, has peeled of the skeleton and, the summer skin is itching to go.

 I swore I wouldn't go on any long hikes with the cameras and, hangout in the AC at the office.

Maybe, I'd make a run to buy lunch and hit the ATM machine, for money.

"Money" she says.  "That's a good idea, I always need money."  "Yeah, I know. Bye."

The Garden Trowel

It would be a distraction if, you were looking closely, to see the changes in the rock garden.

With the camera, locked down steady on the tripod, I played with camera settings.

Changing aperture, shutter speeds and focus points, several images were created.

Someone trying to find an ant or, blade of grass, moving in the scene, might be distracted.

But, I figured there are other folks, who need the garden tool, to keep their interest.

That trowel, I've had for a few years now and, it only cost about a buck.

Cheap and the blade gets bent sometimes. A hammer fixes it, every time.

Bugs hop around, leaves and blades of grass, move throughout the image and, it's quiet.

The rock garden can be relaxing and, it's great therapy for the eyes after using a computer.

Even if, that red tool keeps popping in and out of view, you can relax, watching this animation.

Oops, I must have dozed off. Just now, I realized, I forgot to go to the ATM at the post office.

They closed about 2 hours ago and, I forgot to get the money !

As Kris Kristofferson would say, "Blame It on the Stones."

Animation: Tattoo Artist at Work

One I've Never Done Before

Today's photography took place inside a tattoo parlor and, it was an experience.

In the past, many of my friends, went to get their bodies inked.  Not me.

It used to be, folks went into some dark and dingy, back room to get tattooed.

These days, the places are more like hospital operating rooms.

Everything is spotless shiny and, this room had three operating tables.

The staff, talk to the customers and, sound just like real doctors.

I was thinking, the people would be chewing tobacco and poking people with sewing needles.

They have some fancy ink guns that hum and, disposable ink cups for each client.

The only alcohol in the building, is the stuff they use for preparations and cleaning.

Camera: Pentax K1

Lens: Pentax 15-30 at 21MM

Exposure:  f/2.8   1/160   ISO 800

Location: The Roots Tattoo, Kin Town, Okinawa, Japan

Date and Time:  JUN 23 2017  7:21 PM

PS  That's not me being tattooed. I'm shooting the camera.

Flower and Bee GIF - Plus Hydrangea Report #1 for 2017

At Yohena Garden Today

Up north, went to check the hydrangea (ajisai for Japanese) blossoms.

Things were looking sort of grim. The parking area was empty; our first clue.

When we walked to the booth, where you pay to enter, it was abandoned, too.

Going up the hill, there were a few scraggly-looking flowers, partially blooming.

There's no sense, driving all that way, with cameras and lenses, to come home empty handed.

So, a decision was made, to go all the way to the top of the hill, to visit Mrs. Yohena.

If, my calculations are correct, she'll be 100 years old, this year.

Up at the little cafe, I met her son. He remembers me from years gone by.

Doc Graff and I, chatted with him and found out the real deal. Flowers are late this year.

He says, full bloom for hydrangeas will be around the middle of next month.

The gardens will be crawling with flower fanatics from June 1st until the 15th or 20th.

Bee and Yellow Flower

They seemed like worthwhile subjects so, I flipped the Pentax on to rapid fire.

The name of the blossom, escapes me at the moment but, I'll get it later.

Climbing that hill, gets old dudes tired. I went all the way up, almost.

Some gals from Hong Kong were the only other visitors and, they were taking pictures, too.

Neither Doc nor, I speak Chinese but, some of those girls spoke English.

So, you can probably guess, what I did. Got permission and, shot them, too.

It's a good idea if, you're shy (like me) to just start talking to strangers.

Lots of people get scared, when they see me coming but, I know what to do.

Especially girls, just blow them kisses, wave or say, "Merry Christmas."

That's what I do. And usually if, they don't run away, it's easy to talk to them.

Bees and flowers well, occasionally I get caught, talking to them, too.

 End of Report


Yohena Gardens May 17, 2015

Animation from Hippie (ヒーピィービーチ) Beach

This GIF was created May 5 2017 using the iPhone 7 Plus camera.

Every year, during Golden Week, we have our family beach party at this location.

Knowing, thunderstorms were in the forecast, I didn't bring any fancy cameras.

Most of my equipment is water resistant. So, rain really wouldn't have been a problem.

The alcoholic beverages, I knew I'd be consuming, would be cause for ditching cameras.

Thunder was crackling, in the skies, around early in the day but, only a few raindrops fell.

Grandkids, enjoyed beach activities and played in the sand, until sunset.

Behind me, charcoal fires were being tended to by, the younger generation and friends.

Sons, daughters and in-laws, took care of all the cooking and, treated me like a king.

It seemed like, every time I stood up, they thought it meant, I was out of beer.

More than a few pounds of steaks, chicken and grilled vegetables were consumed by me.

And, I believe, I put a good sized dent in a case of beer.

When the sun went down, out came the fireworks and the beach smelled like gunpowder.

Shortly after the smoke drifted away, I thanked everyone for the grand time.

And did the Grandpa thing.  Sneaked a ride back to town and, went to bed.

NOTE:  Google Translate calls ヒーピィービーチ, Heepy Beach.

But, I like the sound of Hippie better so, that's what I call it.

Here's How to Find It

Animation: Flying Fish and a Plane

Plane - A Weathervane

Not the typical flying fish, either. These are Koinobori or, carp pennants.

Luckily, we got up to the Village of Oku, early in Golden Week.

Living on a Pacific Island, you never know, when the weather might take a turn.

Beautiful blue skies were over the Ryukyu Island Chain, yesterday.

Wearing blue jeans and a t-shirt, it was a little bit warm.  So, I switched to shorts today.

Wouldn't you know it.  A cold breeze, cloudy skies and rain, showed up today.

Fortunately, a flannel shirt was hanging around in my office and, it's on me, now.

Up On the Roof Was the Place to Be Today

Seven Images GIF

When I left the house, with my gnarly toe, I promised, not to go hiking.

It was a nice warm day and the sunshine was irresistible. What could I do ?

No one was watching so, I took a tripod and camera up on the roof.

It was placed where, I could get a few hours worth of photos to create a time lapse.

Mexico Was Next On the Agenda

There are some classes at the Travel Agent Academy, I figured I try doing.

First, there was this tour leader named Iggy, giving me all sorts of information.

He gave me the Mexican experience I would need to be a Cancun specialist.

This dude was tough. Pop quizzes, no problemo. The final exam was a doozy.

Good thing I had the camera up there, where I could get away, every few minutes.

First time I failed with a 66% and, I thought that was bad.  Cool off.

It takes 31, various-sized steps, to reach the roof from my office. That was good.

They ask if, I would like to review and, start the course over again. Yep. I ain't no quitter.

Well, they had some trick questions. Next time, I only scored 33.  Grr. Yes, I want to test again.

With all the quizzes and finals, I must have made ten trips, up and down the stairs.

My legs got a little workout and, I guessed enough correct answers, to score 100% !

Part II of Presidente Intercontinental

Estrella led the tour and, she was much more friendly. Her name means, star in Spanish.

That was kind of neat. She reminded me, how to talk in Mexico. That could come in handy.

It might help me, strike up a conversation with the Mexicans someday.

The pop quizzes, weren't too difficult and, I passed the final, first time around.

There's no sense, bragging about my score because it was less than, 100% but, good enough.

Cozumel, Mexico looks like my kind of place to vacation.

The beaches have white sand, just like we have around here only, they have more bars.

In case, you were wondering, why I'm doing Mexico, I'll tell you. Senoritas !

Nah, just kidding. Presidente has some resorts in Japan, as well.

So, I got my foot in the door and, will probably take some more Mexico classes later.

Way back when, I did some travel in Mexico and, even know a sushi chef down there.

Grand Finale

 

 

Every time a Pop Quiz popped up, I got nervous and, ran back upstairs.

Between quizzes, final exams failed and passed finals, I got lots of exercise and photos.

There were twenty images in the camera, when I got through with the academy.

So, I loaded them up to YouTube and found a little tune for this slide show.  Enjoy !

It's Easy to Animate a Little Pecker

First You Have to Find One

Little peckers are common in Japan, anywhere from Okinawa to Hokkaido.

They are also found throughout parts of Asia, such as China and Korea.

When you spot one like this, don't make any noises and sneak as close as you can to it.

A tripod is recommended but, you could steady the camera on a rock or, tree limb.

The bird was busy, pulling wood out of a dead tree probably, to nest in. Sawdust was flying.

Take Plenty of Photos

There are seven images, I used to create this GIF but, I probably shot fifty of this bird today.

If, you don't have a Google Photo account, get one; it's free.

To make one of these animated GIF's in less than five minutes, here's all you have to do:

1. Upload to your Photo account

2. When the upload is complete, refresh your browser

3. Next, hit CREATE, it's just to the left of the UPLOAD button

4. A window drops down and gives you choices Create new Animation, is what you want

5. Select the images you want to use in the animation

6. Checkmarks will appear on the selected photos. Hit CREATE and, you're done

Recommendation 

Most of the animations I create will have from 5-9 images, sized at 800 pixels wide.

Before downloading animations, I check the info feature on Google Photos.

To keep GIF's from being over 3 million bytes, don't add excess photos to the animation.

If you use Twitter or, just post them on a website, you don't want humongous files.

Brenna the Google Photos expert is the one to ask if, you want to learn more.

Related Post: Do They Really Have Little Peckers in Japan ?