Winter Bird Watching in Watarase-yusuichi

Watarase-yusuichi is the largest detention basin in Japan, covering an area of 33 square kilometers. It is a vast expanse of reed beds, lakes, marshes, and riverside forests. 1,000 species of plants, 260 species of birds, 1,700 species of insects, and 50 species of fish have been recorded. Because of this rich biota, the area has been designated as a registered wetland under the Ramsar Convention.

Watarase-yusuichi as seen from an airplane
Watarase-yusuichi as seen from an airplane
Fuji and a flock of Great Cormorant
Fuji and a flock of Great Cormorant

One of the Best Raptor Wintering Grounds in Japan

Twenty-five species of eagles and hawks have been recorded so far, especially in winter, and the area is one of the best wintering grounds in Japan—especially for the eastern marsh harrier. Several species of owls can also be seen here.

Eastern Marsh Harrier

Eastern Marsh HarrierAlthough they are resident birds, their numbers increase every winterdue to migration. They can be seen in reed beds and nearby rice fields, and return to their roosts in the floodplain at sunset.

Hen Harrier

Hen HarrierA winter bird, it can be seen in reed beds and nearby rice fields, returning to its roost in the playground at sunset. They are few in number.

Eastern Buzzard

Eastern BuzzardThey are resident birds, but their numbers increase every winter due to migration from the mountains. The most common species, along with the kite.

Eurasian Goshawk

Eurasian GoshawkA resident bird, it can be seen flying in a variety of environments from forests to reed beds.

Osprey

OspreyA resident bird, here only in winter, it can be seen above the lake water and in the surrounding trees.

Peregrine Falcon

Peregrine FalconA resident bird, here only in winter, it can be seen in reed beds and nearby rice fields.

Common Kestrel

Common KestrelAlthough they are resident birds, their numbers increase every winter due to migration from the mountains. They can be seen in reed beds and nearby rice paddies.

Merlin

MerlinA winter bird, found in reed beds and nearby rice fields. Few in number.

Short-eared Owl

Short-eared OwlA winter bird, it can be seen in reed beds at sunset. However, the location where they can be seen varies, as they are natural enemies of the tundra-winged teal.

Long-eared Owl

Long-eared OwlA resident bird, it is found here in the riparian forests in winter and spring. They breed in the spring and migrate after leaving the nest.

Waterfowl Seen in Reed Beds and Lakes

Watarase Yusui is one of the few breeding grounds for the Oriental Stork, a globally endangered species, and other rare species can also be seen here, including the taiga bean goose, tundra swan, and Eurasian bittern. In winter, numerous ducks, herons, and snipes can be seen, but only the rarer species are shown here.

Oriental Stork

Oriental StorkA resident bird, several pairs successfully molt annually. Found near the water’s edge of lakes and marshes.

Falcated Duck

Falcated DuckA beautiful winter duck, found in lakes and marshes.

Smew

SmewA beautiful two-tailed winter duck, found in lakes and marshes.

Northern Lapwing

Northern LapwingA large winter plover with beautiful metallic luster feathers. They can be seen in rice paddies and low grasslands.

Grey-headed Lapwing

Grey-headed LapwingA large resident plover, found in rice fields and low grasslands. Few in number.

Eurasian Bittern

Eurasian Bittern
A resident heron, found in deep reed beds. They are very wary and are rarely seen.

Winter Birds and Mammals Found in Reed Beds and Riverside Forests

In addition to waterfowl, a variety of winter birds can be seen in reed beds and riverside forests. Some of them are introduced here, alongside other mammals.

Long-tailed Rosefinch

Long-tailed RosefinchA beautiful little bird found in reed beds and grasslands.

Common Reed Bunting

Common Reed BuntingSeen in reed beds, they look for insects while splitting reed stalks.

Brambling

BramblingThey move in flocks through riverside forests.

Daurian Redstart

Daurian RedstartFound singly or in pairs in riverside forests.

Hawfinch

HawfinchFound in groups or singly in riparian forests.

Green Pheasant

Green PheasantFound in reed beds and around deep bushes, they are easy to see in March during the breeding season.

Japanese Boar

Japanese BoarFound around reed beds and deep bushes. Bringing children along is not advised.

Raccoon Dog

Raccoon DogFound around reed beds and deep bushes. Other predators include the red fox, Japanese weasel, and the non-native common raccoon.

 

Photo & Text : Hiromichi HAYASHI

Observation : Watarase-yusuichi, Tochigi

*Contact  us, Saiyu Travel for more information about wildlife and bird watching in Japan. We can make various arrangements for your trip.

*Youtube : Wildlife of Japan