November 7｜Two Hours with a Crested Kingfisher Pair in Rainy Aizu
November 7. Rain fell from morning, with occasional strong gusts of wind.
Even so, a pair of Crested Kingfishers appeared within shooting range, and we enjoyed about two hours of photography in Aizu, Fukushima.
6:11 — The Male Appears in the Rain
Just after dawn, still dark all around, the male showed up on the perch.
Shutter speed 1/30 sec, and even that was barely enough light.
Listening to the rain, the shoot slowly began.
6:14–6:36 — Hunting on the Rain-Swept River
Shooting at ISO 10000.
The male dived into the water again and again, bursting out in a spray of droplets, and returned with fish in his bill.
Hunting steadily as usual, even in the rain, was impressive to watch.
6:46–6:59 — Side by Side, Then a Chase
Next, the male and female appeared together on the perch.
At times they called to each other; at others they chased one another low over the river surface.
Watching the two of them made us happy too.
7:04–7:56 — Among Autumn Leaves and Rain
The female perched on a branch of autumn leaves still beaded with raindrops.
The male raised his crest as the rain beat down.
Light was scarce and conditions were tough for photography, but some expressions can only be seen in weather like this.
Thanks to the hide we stayed out of the rain, and before we knew it, two hours had flown by.
In this season you can see the pair spending time together, hunting side by side and chasing each other.
The autumn colors are nearing their end, and the field will soon turn to winter scenery.
Rain-soaked autumn leaves and a Crested Kingfisher pair.
Only a little time remains to photograph this seasonal combination.
One of the strengths of this field is that even on rainy days you can observe and photograph Crested Kingfishers at leisure from inside the hide.
If you would like to photograph the autumn pair, please check availability.
[Field Update]
・Mornings and evenings are getting much colder. Please dress warmly.
・For various reasons, the distance from the car to the tent is currently just a few meters.
Carrying gear is easy, and the physical burden is much lighter.
We do not know how long this will last.
With the car closer, extra care for the kingfishers is needed, but it is a very convenient shooting environment.
Please take advantage of this opportunity.
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.