Category: ピックアップ

Hello! This is Ootake Camera.

We visited the “Crested Kingfisher Photography Base” again today!

This morning turned out to be quite unusual — the individual that normally flies in from the right came in from the left instead.

And then he landed on Perch No. 3!

From there, he called out — “Kerrrrr, kerrrrr” — summoning the female. Something seemed off…

It appeared he had changed his roost, and hadn’t yet reunited with the female. Something significant may have startled him yesterday.

He never behaves this way around us, so…

Today we were positioned closest to Perch No. 3 — minimum distance, soft overcast light — absolutely ideal conditions for Crested Kingfisher photography! 😊　Thank you so much for joining us today! We look forward to seeing you again tomorrow!

◇ Asian Black Bear Safety Measures
As a safety precaution at this field site, we use rocket fireworks and firecrackers to deter Asian Black Bears.

Please avoid moving alone and follow all guide instructions during your visit.

■ Today’s Highlight

■ Shots from Today

★★★ We were honored to contribute the opening gravure feature for BIRDER Magazine, May 2026 Issue ★★★

On sale April 14, 2026! Available at bookstores and online.

BIRDER Magazine May 2026 Issue

Amazon　Rakuten Books　FUJISAN (Subscription)

★★★ Our photo was selected for the cover of BIRDER Magazine, December 2025 Issue ★★★

On sale Friday, November 14, 2025!
Available at bookstores or via the links below!

Amazon　Rakuten Books

◆ Current Guide Availability	Status	Meet-up Time	Departure
Crested Kingfisher	Booking Open	2:45–3:00 AM	3:00 AM
Mountain Hawk-Eagle	Booking Open	6:15–6:25 AM	6:30 AM
Ruddy Kingfisher	Closed

Hello from Ootake Camera!

Today, we visited the “Crested Kingfisher Photography Hide” once again! This morning was a little different from usual. There was no early-morning fly-in at first… and honestly, we were worried it might become a difficult day. But around 5:30 AM, the first arrival finally came! Soon after that, the male perched beautifully on Perch No.3, which was a huge relief for us. Afterward, the birds flew along a route that allowed us to photograph and observe their return flight path as well. Although the weather remained rainy throughout the morning, it was calmer than expected, and the Crested Kingfishers stayed relaxed and active, giving everyone a chance to enjoy a peaceful and memorable experience.

■ Today’s Highlight

■ Photos Taken Today

★★★ I was honored to create the opening photo feature for the May 2026 issue of BIRDER magazine ★★★

Released on April 14, 2026! Available at bookstores and online retailers.

BIRDER Magazine – May 2026 Issue

Amazon　Rakuten Books　FUJISAN Subscription

★★★ My photograph was selected for the cover of the December 2025 issue of BIRDER magazine ★★★

Released on November 14, 2025!
Available at bookstores and online retailers.

Amazon　Rakuten Books

◆ Current Guide Availability	Status	Meeting Time	Departure Time
Crested Kingfisher	Open	2:45–3:00 AM	3:00 AM
Mountain Hawk-Eagle	Open	6:15–6:25 AM	6:30 AM
Ruddy Kingfisher	Closed

※Guides generally operate even in rainy weather. The Crested Kingfisher and Ruddy Kingfisher hides are covered with roofs.

:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

“`html

Hello from Ootake Camera!

Today, we visited the “Crested Kingfisher Photography Hide” once again! The pair started moving early this morning as well. Although it was raining at dawn, they showed us many wonderful moments including perching, hunting from Perch No.3, bathing, and even sitting side by side. Judging from the wear on their feathers and the dirt on their bellies, they are probably already incubating eggs, but their activity around the hide has still been excellent. We would be happy to welcome you to Aizu for this incredible experience!

■ Today’s Highlight

■ Photos Taken Today

★★★ I was honored to create the opening photo feature for the May 2026 issue of BIRDER magazine ★★★

Released on April 14, 2026! Available at bookstores and online retailers.

BIRDER Magazine – May 2026 Issue

Amazon　Rakuten Books　FUJISAN Subscription

★★★ My photograph was selected for the cover of the December 2025 issue of BIRDER magazine ★★★

Released on November 14, 2025!
Available at bookstores and online retailers.

Amazon　Rakuten Books

◆ Current Guide Availability	Status	Meeting Time	Departure Time
Crested Kingfisher	Open	2:45–3:00 AM	3:00 AM
Mountain Hawk-Eagle	Open	6:15–6:25 AM	6:30 AM
Ruddy Kingfisher	Closed

※Guides generally operate even in rainy weather. The Crested Kingfisher and Ruddy Kingfisher hides are covered with roofs.

:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
“`

Hello from Ootake Camera!

Today, I would like to share some Crested Kingfisher photographs kindly sent by one of our guests. This was the morning when the birds showed mating behavior from very early dawn! These images were taken from a blind positioned about 15 meters away from our usual location, so the shooting angle is completely different from ours. The photos were captured from the opposite side of Perch No.3.

■ Guest Photos

★★★ I was honored to create the opening photo feature for the May 2026 issue of BIRDER magazine ★★★

Released on April 14, 2026! Available at bookstores and online retailers.

BIRDER Magazine – May 2026 Issue

Amazon　Rakuten Books　FUJISAN Subscription

★★★ My photograph was selected for the cover of the December 2025 issue of BIRDER magazine ★★★

Released on November 14, 2025!
Available at bookstores and online retailers.

Amazon　Rakuten Books

◆ Current Guide Availability	Status	Meeting Time	Departure Time
Crested Kingfisher	Open	2:45–3:00 AM	3:00 AM
Mountain Hawk-Eagle	Open	6:15–6:25 AM	6:30 AM
Ruddy Kingfisher	Closed

※Guides generally operate even in rainy weather. The Crested Kingfisher and Ruddy Kingfisher hides are covered with roofs.

Hello from Ootake Camera!

We visited the “Crested Kingfisher Photography Hide” again today! The birds’ recent movement patterns are starting to become more consistent. We have been seeing more fly-ins very early in the morning lately. Also, since visits to Perch No.1 have increased, I decided to return to last year’s fixed shooting position for the first time in a while — and it was the right choice!!

The Crested Kingfisher landed beautifully on one of the best branches at Perch No.1＾＾ We had several visits to Perch No.1 and No.3, one visit to Perch No.5, and one visit to “Zero.”

■Today’s Highlights

■Photos Taken Today

★★★ I was honored to create the opening photo feature for the May 2026 issue of BIRDER magazine ★★★

Released on April 14, 2026! Available at bookstores and online retailers.

BIRDER Magazine – May 2026 Issue

Amazon　Rakuten Books　FUJISAN Subscription

Hello from Ootake Camera!

We visited the “Crested Kingfisher Photography Hide” again today! This morning also started with mating behavior right at dawn ^^; Most of the activity happened during the early morning hours, but there were many close fly-ins to Perch No.1 and No.3, along with several exciting dives, making for a truly enjoyable morning! We were SO close to witnessing courtship feeding!!! Hopefully tomorrow!!

■Today’s HighlightsHe brought food all the way here… but the female was gone…

■Photos Taken Today

★★★ I was honored to create the opening photo feature for the May 2026 issue of BIRDER magazine ★★★

Released on April 14, 2026! Available at bookstores and online retailers.

BIRDER Magazine – May 2026 Issue

Amazon　Rakuten Books　FUJISAN Subscription

★★★ My photo was selected for the cover of the December 2025 issue of BIRDER magazine ★★★

Released on November 14, 2025!
Available at bookstores and online here!

Amazon　Rakuten Books

◆ Current Guide Availability	Status	Meeting Time	Departure Time
Crested Kingfisher	Open	2:45–3:00 AM	3:00 AM
Mountain Hawk-Eagle	Open	6:15–6:25 AM	6:30 AM
Ruddy Kingfisher	Closed

※Guides generally operate even in rainy weather. The Crested Kingfisher and Ruddy Kingfisher hides are covered with roofs.

Hello from Ootake Camera!

We visited the “Crested Kingfisher Photography Hide” again today!
This morning started with mating behavior right at first light ^^; After that, the male, female, and another female kept flying back and forth many times, making for a fairly active morning＾＾ There were also several fly-bys that we unfortunately could not photograph.

Please check the data in the bottom-right corner of each image for details. This is also the last chance to capture the beautiful collaboration between the Crested Kingfisher and the wisteria blossoms! The waterside area across from Perch No.3 is especially photogenic! Let’s aim for dynamic flight shots!!

■ Photos Taken Today

★★★ I was honored to create the opening photo feature for the May 2026 issue of BIRDER magazine ★★★

Released on April 14, 2026! Available at bookstores and online retailers.

BIRDER Magazine – May 2026 Issue

Amazon　Rakuten Books　FUJISAN Subscription

★★★ My photo was selected for the cover of the December 2025 issue of BIRDER magazine ★★★

Released on November 14, 2025!
Available at bookstores and online here:

Amazon　Rakuten Books

◆ Current Guide Availability	Status	Meeting Time	Departure Time
Crested Kingfisher	Open	2:45–3:00 AM	3:00 AM
Mountain Hawk-Eagle	Open	6:15–6:25 AM	6:30 AM
Ruddy Kingfisher	Closed

※Guides generally operate even in rainy weather. The Crested Kingfisher and Ruddy Kingfisher hides are covered with roofs.

Hello! This is Ootake Camera.

Today, I visited the “Crested Kingfisher Photography Base” again!
The crested kingfishers made repeated visits throughout the day, giving us one shutter opportunity after another. It turned into an incredibly rewarding day for photography.

Around 4:15 AM, one bird flew in from the right side. It was slightly earlier than expected, but as usual, it simply passed through at first.

We expected it to return after about 30 minutes, but surprisingly, it came back much sooner.

From there, it entertained us with many wonderful moments — diving into the water, flying among the wisteria flowers, and hovering beautifully in front of us.

One particularly interesting thing happened: there were moments when the bird arrived silently without calling. This appears to be behavior unique to the breeding season.

This season as well, we will continue guiding carefully while minimizing disturbance to the birds. Thank you very much for your continued support!

■ Today’s Highlights

■ Photos Taken Today

★★★ Featured Opening Photo Gallery in BIRDER Magazine – May 2026 Issue ★★★

Released on April 14, 2026! Available at bookstores and online retailers.

BIRDER Magazine – May 2026 Issue

★★★ Selected as the Cover Photographer for BIRDER Magazine – December 2025 Issue ★★★

Released on November 14, 2025!
Available at bookstores and online shops.

◆ Current Guide Availability	Status	Meeting Time	Departure
Crested Kingfisher	Open	2:45 – 3:00 AM	3:00 AM
Mountain Hawk-Eagle	Open	6:15 – 6:25 AM	6:30 AM
Ruddy Kingfisher	Closed

※ Guided tours operate in rainy weather as well. The crested kingfisher and ruddy kingfisher photography bases are covered with roofs.