At this time of year, it is starting to get cold in the north, so birds are flying south for the winter. Some birds like swans and ducks leave Siberia and fly down to lakes and rivers in northern and central Japan. Other birds like swallows leave Japan and go further south. Yesterday, while I was working at the environmental center, a friend came running in. “There’s an eastern buzzard (“nosuri”) in the sky!” He took me outside and pointed to a bird of prey flying in circles high in the sky. I have only seen this bird once before. I watched it for several minutes until it flew away. Later that day, I saw a Daurian redstart (“jobitaki”) for the first time this year. It will stay here for the winter. Yesterday was a great day for a birdwatcher!    (140 words)