Bureaucrat. Birder. Language Learner. Nature Photographer. Twitter Refugee.
He/Him
It wasn't all small brown birds though! I was very excited to get a photo of the national bird of Japan, the Green Pheasant (キジ), even if it was hiding a little bit.
Green Pheasant, Fujiyoshida--JSDF Kitafuji Training Grounds, Yamanashi, Japan. June 2025.
#birds #birding #nature #naturephotography #photography #japan
Our second stop with Kaz was actually a military training ground around the base of Mt. Fuji. Fortunately for us it's open to the public one day a month or so and is filled with amazing grasslands birds, like this Eurasian Skylark (ヒバリ).
Eurasian Skylark, Fujiyoshida--JSDF Kitafuji Training Grounds, Yamanashi, Japan. June 2025.
#birds #birding #photography #nature #naturephotography #japan
Most of our birding was back-loaded into two days with our favourite bird guide, Kaz.
We went back to the Birding Spot for White-bellied Green Pigeons (アオバト), and this time it paid off! What stunning birds. They come in huge flocks to this particular spot to drink seawater, and we're still not entirely sure why.
White-bellied Green Pigeon, Ōiso, Kanagawa, Japan. June 2025.
At home the Warblers are flashy and the Flycatchers are plain, but it's the opposite in Europe and Asia.
Fortunately I love plain brown birds, and this Eastern Crowned Warbler （センダイムシクイ）was polite enough to sing out in the open and pose for photos!
Eastern Crowned Warbler, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, Japan. June 2025.
#birds #birding #photography #nature #naturephotography #japan
We didn't do a ton of birding in Hokkaido, but on our way back south we stopped in Noboribetsu to see the famous Jigokudani to see the volcanic hot springs, and birds!
I was thrilled to see more of the Narcissus Flycatcher (キビタキ) that I loved so much on our last trip.
Narcissus Flycatcher, Jigokudani, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, Japan. June 2025
#birds #birds #photography #nature #naturephotography #japan
The big highlight at Ōnuma Quasi-National Park were the Grebes! Both Great Crested (カンムリカイツブリ) and Little Grebes (カイツブリ) were there in numbers and calling enthusiastically.
Well worth the stop on the train between Hakodate and Sapporo.
Great Crested Grebe, Ōnuma Quasi-National Park, Hokkaido, Japan. June 2025.
It's taken a hot minute but I've finally finished all my bird pics from Japan this summer!
I was really happy with this Asian Tit [シジュウカラ]. Most of the photos I take end up being good nature shots, but often not artistically composed. I feel like I really got both here.
Asian Tit, Onuma Quasi-National Park, Hokkaido, Japan. June 2025
We do occasionally feel the need to take a break from Japanese food while on vacation. Briefly. A+ lox toast w/ chai latte courtesy of Woodberry Coffee Roasters. Evidently it's often packed but the rain was on our side today.
Carrie BK
