On November 4, at our Crested Kingfisher hide in Aizu, Fukushima, a pair perched together among autumn leaves on a cold morning and hunted again and again in the river mist. It was a truly joyful morning.
Just after 6:20 — The female arrives at Tree No.1
Shortly after 6:20, the female flew in from the left and moved to Tree No.1. With her crest softly raised, the morning shoot began.
The male joins — A pair with autumn colors
The male soon followed and landed on the same tree. Surrounded by red leaves, we could capture the kingfishers and autumn colors in a single frame.
The male hunts from Perch No.2
Around 6:30, the male dove from Perch No.2, giving us chances to catch him bursting up through a spray of water.
After 7:20 — A chase in the river mist
Mist rose from the river, turning the background into a soft, even gray. The pair perched side by side, then chased each other and hunted repeatedly. A kingfisher spreading its wings against the mist is a scene only a cold morning can give.
Splashes and catches, one after another
At 7:28 we caught a powerful shot of a bird breaking through the surface, and after 7:30 one flew low over the misty river with a fish in its bill. In one frame it shared the scene with what were probably Little Grebes.
Every perch, from No.1 to No.5
From the far right, the birds landed on every perch — No.1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Photo opportunities came from every position.
A scene that exists only now
Before the ground freezes, while the pair still spends time together, they chase and hunt side by side. Once the leaves fall, the background turns to winter colors. Autumn leaves, river mist and Crested Kingfishers in one frame — only now.
Autumn Crested Kingfisher season is now open. Book early.
[Field Update]
・It is getting much colder. Please dress warmly.
・For now, the hide is just a few meters from the car, making it easy to carry gear.
We do not know how long this will last.
Extra care for the birds is needed, but please take advantage of this chance.
・Aizu Secret Base shares daily field conditions in real time. Guests with bookings can use them as reference up to their guide day.
See also our Wild Bird Photography Guide.
■Highlights
MEDIA & PUBLICATIONS
Publications
As an editorial member of the monthly magazine BIRDER, I shoot covers and opening features,
bringing the wild birds of Aizu to readers across Japan.
Feature ON SALE 2026.04.14
BIRDER May 2026
Available at bookstores in Japan or online:
Cover ON SALE 2025.11.14
BIRDER December 2025
Available at bookstores in Japan or online:
COLLABORATION
BIRDER / OM SYSTEM
| ◆Current Guide Status | Status | Meet | Depart |
| Crested Kingfisher | Open | 4:20 | 4:30 |
| Mountain Hawk-Eagle | Closed | － | － |
| Ruddy Kingfisher | Closed | － | － |
※Tours run rain or shine. Tent-style hides are used for Crested and Ruddy Kingfishers.