The Okinawa Rail is an endangered bird that is endemic to the northern part of the Okinawan main island. They are both rare and shy, which makes getting photographs of them tricky.

Luckily last year I was given access to the birds at the  breeding center in Kunigami. I was able to get so close to some of the birds I was using a macro lens and getting my fingers pecked.

Okinawa Rail adult (Gallirallus okinawae)

Last week my friend Ichiro told me that there were some very young Okinawa Rail being cared for at Nagamine Animal Hospital and I had permission to go and take some photographs.  It was tough to get good shots – small dark birds in a dark room on a cloudy day. In the end I got some interesting shots which will hopefully become part of a larger photo feature on the efforts that are going on to try and save the species from extinction.

Okinawa Rail eggs in the incubator

Veterinary staff member with young Okinawa Rail

Okinawa Rail chick (Gallirallus okinawae)