The crane is one of these symbols coming through the centuries to feed Japanese culture. It’s everywhere. Usually called tanchōzuru, it is said to live 1000 years. It will be found on coins, bills, company logos (e.g. Japan Airlines), but also on many ukiyo-e, traditional paper prints from woodblock engravings. Inevitably, crane flocks are met…
The northern hemisphere predator with the most extensive range: The ubiquitous red fox. As in Europe, the red fox (locally known under the lovely name of kitsune) is relatively difficult to find but, once found, it is not very easily afraid of human presence. Red fox, Renard roux (Vulpes vulpes)Hokkaido, Japan North island, January/February 2019.
Strong and dignified, the whooper swan is marvelous subject, in snow as much as in sun. Whooper swan, Cygne siffleur (Cygnus cygnus)Hokkaido, Japan North island, January/February 2019.
More common than the Steller’s sea eagle, the white-tailed sea eagle is a very powerful bird of prey. White-tailed sea eagle, Pygargue à queue blanche (Haliaeetus albicilla)Hokkaido, Japan North island, January/February 2019.
This sea eagle is one of the largest bird of prey. Magestic in flight, armed with powerful talons and a mighty yellow beak, it may remind of the American bald eagle (or the African fish eagle), but it is a quite different species. You may want to see it actually fishing at sea. Steller’s sea…
Short-eared owl, Hibou des marais (Asio flammeus)Hokkaido, Japan North island, January/February 2019.
Black kite, Milan noir (Milvus migrans)Hokkaido, Japan North island, January/February 2019.