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WINGS Birding Tours – Photo Gallery

Japan in Spring

Endemics and Culture

We start our tour from Narita on the outskirts of Tokyo…
the area around the airport is charmingly rural…
and traditional Japan is very much in evidence.
As we drive to Nikko we make stops at the "Road Stations", each cared for by the local people and with an individual charm.
We’ll explore the magnificent temples of this ancient city…
experiencing one of Japan’s cultural centres. Here, a temple entrance…
…and the famous original Three Wise Monkeys…
…fearsome temple guardians…
…and mythical dragons.
But we’ll also make time to explore the bird filled forests of the area.
Spring is well under way and the forests are simply gorgeous
Even as we bird, we’ll be immersed in Japan’s ancient culture…
The temple surrounds are often filled with birds…
…such as this Red-flanked Bluetail…
Many of the small passerines will be very vocal. Here a Eurasian Wren announces his territory.
The songs of the Blue-and-white Flycatcher fill the forest…
…and the stunning Narcissus Flycatcher is found in the forests here.
Our birding in the area is varied. In the agricultural areas we’ll look for Japan’s national treasure, the Green Pheasant…
…and we may encounter Chestnut-eared Buntings as the farmers till the fields.
Local naturalists have constructed nest boxes for the remarkable Japanese Giant Flying Squirrel.
Some of the road signs are amusing…
but maybe accurate!
Japan is steeped in tradition and even the waterfalls are culturally significant.
Our vehicle - the one on the right! - is a 10 seater van
And we will enjoy many amazing traditional meals…
Our trip is about more than birds - as you can see, it’s about the culture, the people, the scenery, the flora, and other animals, too.
As we travel through the Japan Alps, we’ll encounter many amazing sights…
If time permits, we’ll drop in to see the famous Matsumoto Castle, before heading to…
Mount Fuji, where the birding is fun but the mountain is the real star!
Our early morning view as we’re out birding is incredible.
A small shrine on the slopes of the Fuji pays homage to a mountain spirit.
Japan is a truly beautiful country…
As we bird on the flanks of this most iconic of mountains, we should find more Red-flanked Bluetails…
and maybe some tiny Goldcrests.
One of our main targets will be the localised Japanese Accentor, which should be singing loudly!
Many of the birds are busy nesting or caring for young. This Grey Wagtail carries nesting material.
As we travel around we are always aware of Japan’s unique culture…
…this is a typical farmhouse and lovingly tended garden.
Fields of irises abound in the countryside.
Our next destination is Okinawa where we are greeted by the Shisa lion-dogs.
We’ll head north to the vast and newly declared Yanbaru National Park…
…where we go in search of Okinawa Rail, a bird that is much loved here in the southern island.
Here your leader, Susan poses with another rail…
…but it’s the real thing that we will hope to see!
Okinawa boasts many exciting endemics, including the recently split Owsten’s Flycatcher whose distinctive song usually gives him away.
…as well as some exciting migrants, like this Ruddy Kingfisher…
and occasionally something extraordinary turns up, like this Von Schrenk’s Bittern…
We’ll travel to the far north of the island, where we find a fearsome deity.
As the sun sets over the ocean…
…we’ll head out nightbirding, which can be exciting, too. Here the restricted range Ryukyu Scops Owl.
..and with luck a Northern Boobook.
We travel by air to Amami Ōshima the following day.
And here we’ll encounter more exciting island endemics, like the charismatic Lidth’s Jay.
At night, we’ll go searching for Amami Woodcock…
…and Amami’s charming and odd endemic Black Rabbit is one of our hoped-for sightings…
Stunning Ryukyu Robins are common along the roadsides.
Many of the birds and small mammals of Japan are threatened by introduced mongoose but the Busters are after them.
Next we’ll head to Japan’s far north, the fabled island of Hokkaido.
At this time of year, the weather is delightful and everything is green and new. Here a breeding Red-crowned Crane.
The birds in Hokkaido will be bursting with spring time energy! Here the Japanese subspecies of Eurasian Nuthatch…
And the usually shy grasshopper warblers are singing their hearts out!
The stark beauty of the Hokkaido landscape is fascinating and varied. Here, the Shiretoko Pass…
…and the mist shrouded Kiritappu, meaning "full of fog"…
and the verdant marshlands of Kushiro.
Japan’s wonderful infrastructure allows us easy access to her natural wonders.
On our boat excursion, we might even be lucky enough to encounter Brown Bear!
The Japanese cuisine with its delicious flavors and artistic presentations, will leave a lasting impression. Here is our hot pot dinner and very impressive it is!
More great food!
And plastic sushi!
This spring time tour of Japan will be memorable not only for the wonderful birding…
…but for unforgettable scenery…
…the lush and beautiful spring time forests…
…the unique Japanese culture, here a temple Lion Dog…
…even traditional packaging makes a powerful impression!
And last but certainly not least, the people we meet along the way! Here Susan gets a lesson in the traditional taiko drums (she’s not very good!)
So come join us in Japan!
Oh, and we made the local newspaper!

 

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