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June 17 Crested Kingfisher Hide Report – Multiple Fly-bys and Dives on a Clear Morning

Hello from Ootake Camera!

Here is today’s Crested Kingfisher Photography Hide Report for June 17.

With clear skies this morning, the kingfishers started their day early. The male first appeared at 4:03 a.m., flying past the hide. Shortly afterward, the female landed on Perch No.1 and immediately began hovering while hunting fish. Unfortunately, it was still too dark for photography.

The male soon returned and landed on Perch No.3. While I was adjusting my shutter speed settings, he suddenly dived for a fish—another missed opportunity!

Later, the bird moved to our “Zero” perch and then flew directly toward the hide. There were several fly-bys and diving attempts throughout the morning, but I missed many of the action shots. More practice is needed!

Another seasonal update: the Mizuki (Flowering Dogwood) trees are about to bloom. We are looking forward to seeing the beautiful combination of blooming Mizuki flowers and Crested Kingfishers once again this year.

OM SYSTEM Early Morning Crested Kingfisher Photography Event – July 3 & 4

We have just been informed that this event reached full capacity yesterday. Thank you very much to everyone who registered.

The photographs featured in this report were also taken using a borrowed OM-1 Mark II.

Today’s Highlights (Photographed with OM-1 Mark II)

Today’s Gallery (Photographed with OM-1 Mark II)

Featured in BIRDER Magazine – May 2026 Issue

I had the honor of providing the opening photo feature for the May 2026 issue of BIRDER Magazine.

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

Featured on the Cover of BIRDER Magazine – December 2025 Issue

My photograph was selected for the cover of the December 2025 issue of BIRDER Magazine.

Released on November 14, 2025.

Current Guide Availability

* Tours generally operate in rainy weather. For Crested Kingfisher and Ruddy Kingfisher photography, tent-style hides are planned for use.

Hello! This is Ootake Camera.

We visited our Crested Kingfisher photography site on June 8th!

The updates we made to our guiding approach since April are really paying off, allowing us to capture stunning images from a wider variety of angles and positions.

Because we are shooting at such a close range, it requires extra care and strict hide etiquette (especially regarding movement, shutter noise, and managing light).

However, this means you can now enjoy incredible close-up photography. Depending on the morning’s water levels and river conditions, if we determine that a closer approach is optimal, we will set up for an intimate shooting session! We highly recommend bringing lenses ranging from 300mm to 800mm.

■ Today’s Highlights

■ Gallery from Today’s Session

★★★ Featured in the Opening Pictorial of BIRDER Magazine (May 2026 Issue) ★★★

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

BIRDER Magazine – May 2026 Issue

Amazon | Rakuten Books | FUJISAN Subscription

★★★ Honored with the Cover Photo for BIRDER Magazine (December 2025 Issue) ★★★

Released on Friday, November 14, 2025!
Available at local bookstores or online via the links below:

Amazon | Rakuten Books

* Tours will operate in rainy weather. We plan to utilize professional pop-up photography blinds (tents/hides) for Crested Kingfisher and Ruddy Kingfisher sessions.

Hello! This is Ootake Camera.

On June 7th, I headed out to the Crested Kingfisher field station once again. The session kicked off with an arrival from the right first thing in the morning, and the male quickly returned to perch at spot No. 3 — closer than ever, thanks to a repositioned blind.

When the male started calling out aggressively, I fired off a burst of shots — and caught a glimpse of a female slipping in behind him. A mid-incubation domestic dispute, perhaps? 😅 The pair then went for a bath together before heading off toward the nest burrow.

Then, slipping in quietly, came this female — a young bird, identifiable by her shorter crest and the faint rufous tinge mixed into the black on her neck. Most likely hatched last year. Let’s hope the territorial tensions stay calm during the incubation period!

■ Today’s Highlights

■ Today’s Shots

★★★ My work is featured as the opening gravure spread in BIRDER Magazine May 2026 ★★★
Published April 14, 2026 — available at bookstores and online.
Amazon　Rakuten Books　Fujisan (subscription)

★★★ My photograph was selected for the cover of BIRDER Magazine December 2025 ★★★
Published November 14, 2025 — available at bookstores and online.

※ Tours run in rain. A tent-style hide is used for Crested Kingfisher and Ruddy Kingfisher sessions.

Hello! This is Ootake Camera.

Today, we visited the “Crested Kingfisher Photography Base” once again! The atmosphere suggests that incubation may finally be starting. We did not observe the pair together today, which could indicate that nesting activities are underway. Good luck with raising your chicks! As always, we are committed to observing and photographing these birds responsibly, ensuring that we never interfere with their natural behavior. Although our stay was relatively short this time, we were fortunate to enjoy several excellent photographic opportunities.

■ Today’s Highlight

■ Photographs Taken Today

★★★ Featured Photographer for the Opening Photo Gallery of BIRDER Magazine – May 2026 Issue ★★★

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

BIRDER Magazine – May 2026 Issue

★★★ My Photograph Was Selected for the Cover of BIRDER Magazine – December 2025 Issue ★★★

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

* Tours generally operate in rainy weather. For Crested Kingfisher and Ruddy Kingfisher photography sessions, tent-style hides are typically used.

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Hello from Ootake Camera!

Today we visited the “Crested Kingfisher Photography Hide” once again!

A special thank you to Mr. A for sharing such valuable stories with us today.＾＾

As for today’s conditions, the morning began with a pair of Crested Kingfishers arriving together. It felt like things were gradually returning to their usual pattern.

Overall, the birds seemed much more settled and stable, which was reassuring to see. The most active period was between 4:00 AM and 5:30 AM.

◇ About Asian Black Bear Safety Measures
For safety purposes, we actively monitor for Asian black bears in the field and may use signal fireworks or firecrackers as deterrents.

When participating in the tour, please avoid walking alone and follow the guide’s instructions at all times.

■ Today’s Highlights

■ Today’s Photos

★★★ Featured in the opening photo gallery of BIRDER Magazine – May 2026 Issue ★★★

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

BIRDER Magazine – May 2026 Issue

★★★ Featured on the cover of BIRDER Magazine – December 2025 Issue ★★★

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

※ Tours generally operate in rainy weather. Crested Kingfisher and Ruddy Kingfisher photography sessions are conducted from tent-style hides.

“`

Hello from Ootake Camera!

Today we visited the “Crested Kingfisher Photography Hide” once again, and what an incredible morning it turned out to be!

The male only appeared during the early morning hours, but the female stayed with us for nearly two hours. She occasionally moved between the right and left sides of the river, but spent most of the morning perched on No.3 and No.1 branches.

It was an exceptionally rewarding morning, with almost continuous opportunities to photograph a Crested Kingfisher at close range. A truly luxurious experience for wildlife photographers!＾＾

◇ About Asian Black Bear Safety Measures
For safety purposes, we actively monitor for Asian black bears in the field and may use signal fireworks or firecrackers as deterrents.

When participating in the tour, please avoid walking alone and follow the guide’s instructions at all times.

■ Today’s Highlight ■ Today’s Photos

★★★ Featured in the opening photo gallery of BIRDER Magazine – May 2026 Issue ★★★

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

BIRDER Magazine – May 2026 Issue

★★★ Featured on the cover of BIRDER Magazine – December 2025 Issue ★★★

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

※ Tours generally operate in rainy weather. The Crested Kingfisher and Ruddy Kingfisher hides are covered and provide shelter from the rain.

“`

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

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

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

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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

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

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