Category: ピックアップ

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

Feature　ON SALE 2026.04.14

BIRDER May 2026

Available at bookstores in Japan or online:

AmazonRakuten BooksSubscribe

Cover　ON SALE 2025.11.14

BIRDER December 2025

Available at bookstores in Japan or online:

AmazonRakuten Books

COLLABORATION
BIRDER / OM SYSTEM

※Tours run rain or shine. Tent-style hides are used for Crested and Ruddy Kingfishers.

On November 5 at the Aizu Secret Base in Fukushima, a female Crested Kingfisher flew in to Tree No.1 on a dark, rainy morning, giving us a perched shot among the autumn leaves.

6:11 — A female lands on Tree No.1 in the rain
After heavy rain the day before, it was still raining that morning.

Expecting dark conditions, I had decided to focus on perched shots at Tree No.1.

At 6:11 a female flew in from the left and landed right there. Having her perch first thing in the morning made me truly happy. Raindrop-covered branches and colored leaves made for a quiet, moody frame.

6:13 — Moving to the tree at the back right
She then moved to the tree at the back right.

The leaves there are now past their peak, but her white figure stood out against the deep red-purple foliage — a true late-autumn scene.

Next, I am hoping for the autumn colors behind Branch No.3 at the back left.

A scene only while the leaves remain
Before the ground freezes, while the pair still spends time together, the kingfishers are perching and hunting here.

Once the leaves fall, the background turns to winter scenery.

Even on rainy days, you can capture autumn leaves and Crested Kingfishers in one frame from the tent — 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

Feature　ON SALE 2026.04.14

BIRDER May 2026

Available at bookstores in Japan or online:

AmazonRakuten BooksSubscribe

Cover　ON SALE 2025.11.14

BIRDER December 2025

Available at bookstores in Japan or online:

AmazonRakuten Books

COLLABORATION
BIRDER / OM SYSTEM

※Tours run rain or shine. Tent-style hides are used for Crested and Ruddy Kingfishers.

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

Feature　ON SALE 2026.04.14

BIRDER May 2026

Available at bookstores in Japan or online:

AmazonRakuten BooksSubscribe

Cover　ON SALE 2025.11.14

BIRDER December 2025

Available at bookstores in Japan or online:

AmazonRakuten Books

COLLABORATION
BIRDER / OM SYSTEM

※Tours run rain or shine. Tent-style hides are used for Crested and Ruddy Kingfishers.

We are delighted to share wonderful photos from O.bat, who photographed Crested Kingfishers at Aizu Secret Base on October 3 and 24!
All photos featured here are the guest’s own work. Out of respect for each precious shot, our only edit is the addition of the “Customer Gallery” logo.
O.bat, thank you so much for sharing so many photos with us. We are pleased to introduce two of them here. We look forward to seeing you in the field again.

Now accepting bookings for the autumn Crested Kingfisher season. Please reserve early.

[Latest Field Update]
・Temperatures are turning autumnal. Please dress warmly.
・For the time being, the hide is just a few meters from where you park.
　Carrying gear is much easier, with far less physical strain.
　We don’t know how long this will last.
　Parking closer means extra care for the kingfishers is required,
　but please take advantage of this opportunity.
・At Aizu Secret Base, we share daily field conditions in real time.
　Booked guests are welcome to use these updates to prepare for their tour day.

Please also see our Crested Kingfisher Guide page and Availability Calendar.

OPENING FEATURE　2026.04.14 ON SALE

BIRDER, May 2026 Issue

Available at bookstores or from the links below

AmazonRakuten BooksSubscription

COVER　2025.11.14 ON SALE

BIRDER, December 2025 Issue

Available at bookstores or from the links below

AmazonRakuten Books

COLLABORATION
BIRDER ／ OM SYSTEM

※Tours generally run rain or shine. Tent-style hides are planned for Crested Kingfisher and Ruddy Kingfisher.

Today brought an extraordinary number of shooting opportunities.
Even I, who doesn’t usually shoot that heavily, came away with over 2,000 frames — selecting the keepers took quite some time.

It appears that both a juvenile female and a juvenile male have been appearing alongside the resident adults.
That makes the sessions less predictable, but it also means more decisive shooting moments.

【How the morning unfolded】
Around 6:10, a female passed through from the left.
An hour later, she passed through again from the right.
After a wait, she returned around 9:00 and perched in the late-autumn trees to the far right.

As she moved back and forth, calls rang out from the left —
a juvenile male flying in toward the adult female.

What followed was a lively chase sequence,
repeated bathing dives with sharp mid-air turns,
and a long stretch of shooting opportunities in bright morning light — a thoroughly wonderful morning.

【Autumn color and the Crested Kingfisher】
The foliage is patchy — some trees already past peak, others just beginning to turn.
This year we may be able to shoot the Kingfisher against autumn color for a longer window than usual.

With an intruder in the territory, things remain a little unpredictable —
but that tension is exactly what produces the most dramatic shots.
Before the ground freezes and while parent and juvenile still share this season together,
mornings like this one — with autumn color and a family reunion — are rare.
Please book early.

【About the Kingfishers here】
This location has an unusual environment — four pairs live in close proximity.
Territorial disputes over the prime hunting ground in front of the base occur from time to time, and pair turnover does happen.
I believe that is what keeps the Kingfisher environment here alive and sustainable.

This is my own personal observation —
since the 2011 disaster, increased river construction work and flooding from heavy rains in recent years have significantly reduced suitable habitat.
I feel the population has declined to a level not seen before.

So that these Kingfishers can continue to live here in peace —
we will continue guiding sessions with the utmost care and consideration.

Autumn Crested Kingfisher season — now open for bookings.
Please book early.

【Latest Field Update】
· Temperatures have taken on a distinctly autumnal feel. Please dress warmly.
· Due to current conditions, the distance from the car to the hide tent is just a few meters.
　This significantly reduces the burden of carrying equipment and physical exertion.
　We do not know how long this situation will last.
　Parking the car closer does require extra consideration toward the Kingfisher,
　but please take advantage of this opportunity while it lasts.
· At Aizu Secret Base, we share real-time field updates like this every day.
　Guests with upcoming bookings are welcome to use these reports as a reference.

Please also check our Crested Kingfisher Guide page and availability calendar.

■ Today’s Highlights

BIRDER Magazine May 2026 — Lead Gravure Feature
On sale April 14, 2026! Available at bookstores and online.

BIRDER Magazine — May 2026 Issue

Amazon　Rakuten Books　FUJISAN (Subscription)

BIRDER Magazine December 2025 — Cover Photo

On sale Friday, November 14, 2025!
Available at bookstores or online here!

Amazon　Rakuten Books

※ Sessions are held rain or shine. A tent-style hide is planned for use during Crested Kingfisher and Ruddy Kingfisher sessions.

A five-day report covering October 18th through 22nd.

The biggest story of the week — a fierce territorial battle with an intruder.
On the 18th, a third individual appeared from upstream,
and the resident male chased it off immediately with alarm calls.
The confrontation played out right in front of us — a rare and dramatic scene.

Before the ground freezes and while the pair still has time together —
this is the season when the bond between them is most visible.
On the 22nd, the male and female perched side by side on the same branch.
A quiet, unhurried moment — the kind that stays with you long after the session ends.

Autumn colors are now at their peak around the base.
The combination of the Crested Kingfisher and autumn foliage is something only this season can offer.
We strongly recommend booking sooner rather than later.

Autumn Crested Kingfisher season — now open for bookings.
Please book early.

【Latest Field Update】
· Temperatures are dropping fast — please dress warmly.
· Due to current conditions, the distance from the car to the hide tent is just a few meters.
　This significantly reduces the burden of carrying equipment and physical exertion.
　We do not know how long this situation will last.
　Please take advantage of this opportunity while it lasts.
· At Aizu Secret Base, we share real-time field updates like this every day.
　Guests with upcoming bookings are welcome to use these reports as a reference.

Please also check our Crested Kingfisher Guide page and availability calendar.

■ Highlights: Oct. 18–22

BIRDER Magazine May 2026 — Lead Gravure Feature
On sale April 14, 2026! Available at bookstores and online.

BIRDER Magazine — May 2026 Issue

Amazon　Rakuten Books　FUJISAN (Subscription)

BIRDER Magazine December 2025 — Cover Photo

On sale Friday, November 14, 2025!
Available at bookstores or online here!

Amazon　Rakuten Books

※ Sessions are held rain or shine. A tent-style hide is planned for use during Crested Kingfisher and Ruddy Kingfisher sessions.

Around 5:42 AM, an adult female arrived from the left.
She passed straight through and headed to the autumn-colored trees to the far right.
From there she began diving and hunting.
On her very first dive she caught a small fish and flew straight to perch No. 1.

The male then arrived from the right.
Almost immediately, calls from another individual were heard from the right,
and the male chased it off with alarm calls.

Around 8:00, the pair returned together and perched on No. 2.
After that they flew back and forth, left and right,
occasionally diving, keeping us entertained until 8:30.

Rain and wind had been forecast for the day, so we wrapped up after the peak activity window — an efficient and satisfying morning with the Kingfishers.

Autumn is arriving fast at the base.
With the trees beginning to turn, we plan to fine-tune the hide position to frame the birds against the autumn foliage and their diving spots.

Autumn Crested Kingfisher season — now open for bookings.
Please book early.

【Latest Field Update】
· Temperatures have taken on a distinctly autumnal feel. Please dress warmly.
· Due to current conditions, the distance from the car to the hide tent is just a few meters.
　This significantly reduces the burden of carrying equipment and physical exertion.
　We do not know how long this situation will last.
　Parking the car closer does require extra consideration toward the Kingfisher,
　but please take advantage of this opportunity while it lasts.
· At Aizu Secret Base, we share real-time field updates like this every day.
　Guests with upcoming bookings are welcome to use these reports as a reference.

Autumn Crested Kingfisher season — now open for bookings.
Please book early.

Please also check our Crested Kingfisher Guide page and availability calendar.

■ Today’s Highlights

BIRDER Magazine May 2026 — Lead Gravure Feature
On sale April 14, 2026! Available at bookstores and online.

BIRDER Magazine — May 2026 Issue

Amazon　Rakuten Books　FUJISAN (Subscription)

BIRDER Magazine December 2025 — Cover Photo

On sale Friday, November 14, 2025!
Available at bookstores or online here!

Amazon　Rakuten Books

※ Sessions are held rain or shine. A tent-style hide is planned for use during Crested Kingfisher and Ruddy Kingfisher sessions.

Around 5:52 AM, an adult female arrived from the left.
She went straight to perch No. 2 right at the start of the morning.

From there she began diving and hunting.
After several attempts, she finally made a successful catch.
At times she dived right in front of the hide.

Try switching your camera to silent shutter mode.
You can actually hear the sound of the Crested Kingfisher’s wingbeats.
It is a truly rare and remarkable experience.

After that, she perched and flew between various trees from No. 1 through No. 5, giving us a wide variety of shots.
The trees to the far right are already beginning to turn, making autumn-color shots possible.

The highlight of the day, however, was this —
a Crested Kingfisher and a Common Kingfisher side by side in the same frame.
A truly rare opportunity.

To everyone who joined us that day and captured that shot — our warmest congratulations.
This is exactly why we can’t stop.

Why not come and meet the Crested Kingfisher this autumn?
Autumn Crested Kingfisher season — now open for bookings.
Please book early.

【Latest Field Update】
· Temperatures have taken on a distinctly autumnal feel. Please dress warmly.
· Due to current conditions, the distance from the car to the hide tent is just a few meters.
　This significantly reduces the burden of carrying equipment and physical exertion.
　We do not know how long this situation will last.
　Parking the car closer does require extra consideration toward the Kingfisher,
　but please take advantage of this opportunity while it lasts.
· At Aizu Secret Base, we share real-time field updates like this every day.
　Guests with upcoming bookings are welcome to use these reports as a reference.

Autumn Crested Kingfisher season — now open for bookings.
Please book early.

Please also check our Crested Kingfisher Guide page and availability calendar.

■ Today’s Highlights

BIRDER Magazine May 2026 — Lead Gravure Feature On sale April 14, 2026! Available at bookstores and online.

BIRDER Magazine — May 2026 Issue

Amazon　Rakuten Books　FUJISAN (Subscription)

BIRDER Magazine December 2025 — Cover Photo

On sale Friday, November 14, 2025!
Available at bookstores or online here!

Amazon　Rakuten Books

※ Sessions are held rain or shine. A tent-style hide is planned for use during Crested Kingfisher and Ruddy Kingfisher sessions.

Around 5:45 AM, an adult female arrived from the left.
She went straight to perch No. 2.

From there she flew back and forth to various spots, making several hunting attempts, and eventually the male joined her too.
In total, there were 3 arrivals up until around 9:30 AM.

Active shooting was possible from around 5:45 to 8:30 AM.
For a Crested Kingfisher session, that is a remarkably long and generous morning.

The Kingfisher Festival continues.

Autumn Crested Kingfisher season — now open for bookings.
Please book early.

【Latest Field Update】
· Temperatures have taken on a distinctly autumnal feel. Please dress warmly.
· Due to current conditions, the distance from the car to the hide tent is just a few meters.
　This significantly reduces the burden of carrying equipment and physical exertion.
　We do not know how long this situation will last.
　Parking the car closer does require extra consideration toward the Kingfisher,
　but please take advantage of this opportunity while it lasts.
· At Aizu Secret Base, we share real-time field updates like this every day.
　Guests with upcoming bookings are welcome to use these reports as a reference.

Autumn Crested Kingfisher season — now open for bookings.
Please book early.

Please also check our Crested Kingfisher Guide page and availability calendar.

■ Today’s Highlights

BIRDER Magazine May 2026 — Lead Gravure Feature
On sale April 14, 2026! Available at bookstores and online.

BIRDER Magazine — May 2026 Issue

Amazon　Rakuten Books　FUJISAN (Subscription)

BIRDER Magazine December 2025 — Cover Photo

On sale Friday, November 14, 2025!
Available at bookstores or online here!

Amazon　Rakuten Books

※ Sessions are held rain or shine. A tent-style hide is planned for use during Crested Kingfisher and Ruddy Kingfisher sessions.

Around 6:00 AM, an adult female arrived from the right.
Right from the start of the morning, she treated us to two hunting dives.

She then flew left to begin territory patrol.
The male quickly followed from the right, but made only a brief touch-and-go before heading left as well.
With both birds now patrolling together, the morning had a settled, stable feel.

Around 7:07, the male returned after completing his patrol.
The female joined him around 7:37.

After that, the two birds chased each other around in the air,
and perched in trees just beginning to show their autumn colors —
a thoroughly enjoyable morning with a variety of scenes and plenty of shooting opportunities.

Autumn Crested Kingfisher season — now open for bookings.
Please book early.

【Latest Field Update】
· Temperatures have taken on a distinctly autumnal feel. Please dress warmly.
· Due to current conditions, the distance from the car to the hide tent is just a few meters.
　This significantly reduces the burden of carrying equipment and physical exertion.
　We do not know how long this situation will last.
　Parking the car closer does require extra consideration toward the Kingfisher,
　but please take advantage of this opportunity while it lasts.
· At Aizu Secret Base, we share real-time field updates like this every day.
　Guests with upcoming bookings are welcome to use these reports as a reference.

Autumn Crested Kingfisher season — now open for bookings.
Please book early.

Please also check our Crested Kingfisher Guide page and availability calendar.

■ Today’s Highlights

BIRDER Magazine May 2026 — Lead Gravure Feature

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

BIRDER Magazine — May 2026 Issue

Amazon　Rakuten Books　FUJISAN (Subscription)

BIRDER Magazine December 2025 — Cover Photo

On sale Friday, November 14, 2025!
Available at bookstores or online here!

Amazon　Rakuten Books

※ Sessions are held rain or shine. A tent-style hide is planned for use during Crested Kingfisher and Ruddy Kingfisher sessions.