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.
🛡 We take measures for Asian black bear safety and other field precautionsLearn more →
■ Today’s Highlights
BIRDER Magazine May 2026 — Lead Gravure Feature
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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!
| ◆ Current Guide Availability | Status | Meeting Time | Departure |
| Crested Kingfisher | Open |
4:20 |
4:30 |
| Mountain Hawk-Eagle | Closed | ||
| Ruddy Kingfisher | Closed |
※ Sessions are held rain or shine. A tent-style hide is planned for use during Crested Kingfisher and Ruddy Kingfisher sessions.
