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

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The Nocturnal Creatures of Teuri Island (Hokkaido)

>For information and tours of Teuri Island, click here!

Teuri Island is located at 44 degrees north latitude, so during the period from spring to summer, the daylight hours are long, and the sky becomes completely dark around 21:00 (9:00 PM). In the morning, it starts to get bright around 3:00 AM, which means that the nocturnal creatures are spending super busy throughout the night.

Speaking of nocturnal creatures, one  cannot fail to mention the owl family. In the year 2023, the breeding of the Long-eared Owl (トラフズク Torahuzuku in Japanese) has been confirmed on the island.

Long-eared Owl トラフズク(Torahuzuku)

During the early spring, we confirmed the presence of three chicks, but from the first half of July onwards, we could only find two. It is suspected that one of them might have died at some point. This experience made us realize the true harshness of nature.

Furthermore, the Kiwi of Japan is called a “ヤマシギ” (Yamashigi), which refers to the Eurasian Woodcock, also inhabits Teuri Island.

The life style of the Eurasian Woodcock is similar to the Kiwi of New Zealand, it is a nocturnal creature and preys on worms and other creatures found near the ground. However, the Eurasian Woodcock has the advantage of being able to fly, which allows it to have a broader range of habitats. It has numerous holes in its beak with nerve endings, enabling it to sense movements and detect prey while inserting its beak into the ground.

Eurasian Woodcock ヤマシギ (Yamashigi)
Eurasian Woodcock ヤマシギ (Yamashigi)
Eurasian Woodcock ヤマシギ (Yamashigi)

Additionally, on warm nights, the only snake species found on Teuri Island, the Japanese Mamushi Viper (マムシ: Mamushi,  also known as the Japanese pit viper), also becomes more active.

Japanese Mamushi Viper, Japanese pit viper  マムシ (Mamushi)

The snake, often referred to as a nocturnal creature, on Teuri Island, might also be quite active during daytime, especially in the cooler seasons like early spring. Despite being a reptile, it gives birth to live offspring instead of laying eggs. This adaptation might be what allowed it to efficiently reproduce in the fluctuating temperatures of Teuri Island, making it the only snake species on the island.

The Japanese Mamushi Viper is the most well-known venomous snake in Japan. The image of “Mamushi = danger” is deeply ingrained, and this might be a reason why drivers tend to be less aware of avoiding them compared to other creatures. As a result, during the season, I witnessed numerous instances where these vipers were hit and killed by vehicles.

Japanese Mamushi Viper, Japanese pit viper  マムシ (Mamushi)

Also, the Japanese tree frog (ニホンアマガエル  Nihonamagaeru), the only amphibian species found on Teuri Island, becomes active during the night.

Japanese tree frog ニホンアマガエル (Nihonamagaeru)

Due to its small size, approximately 12km in circumference, Teuri Island has limited sources of stable freshwater, making it challenging for amphibians, which constantly require water, to find suitable habitats. However, despite the scarcity of such environments, numerous individuals of the Japanese tree frog  can be found breeding near locations such as rainwater accumulated in abandoned ships and in small springs close to the coastline.

Furthermore, after observing the nocturnal activities, one can enjoy the breathtaking sight of a beautiful starry sky. On clear nights, shooting stars can be observed almost without fail.

Marhama Fishing Port at night

When you visit Teuri Island, please make sure to look up at the night sky before you leave.

 

Image & Text: Wataru HIMENO

★ Visit our web site of  TEURI ISLAND.

Contact us to make arrangements for photographing seabirds on Teuri Island and Wildlife of Japan.

★Wildlife videos are also available on Youtube – we have the playlist as well.

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