Category: ピックアップ

Hello! This is Ootake Camera. Here is the Crested Kingfisher Shooting Base Report for 7/1.

3:50 AM — First arrival of the day

This morning a bird arrived very early — so early that one was already perched on branch #3 while we were still setting up. Quite a scramble! (sweat)

Around 4:40, another arrival at branch #3 — a clean catch, fish beaten against the branch, and straight off to the chicks. The chick-rearing is going well by all appearances.

5:02 — the female arrived and landed on branch #3, then moved to #1 to scan for prey. But then something unexpected: what appeared to be another fish-eating bird came through and disturbed the fish, leaving the area empty — and off she went, empty-beaked. ^^; Shortly after, another female passed by, but it was clearly a different individual. This was likely the intruder behind yesterday’s territorial dispute — a sharp observation, and thank you to Mr./Ms. S-mura for catching that!

5:21 — the male arrived again and landed on branch #3, but still no fish to be found, likely due to the earlier disturbance. Goodbye for now. ^^;

7:11 — the male returned to branch #3 and this time put on a splendid hunt! Straight back to the chicks with the catch. Hard-working dad — keep it up!!!

8:01 — the male arrived once more, looked set to land on #3 but made a sudden U-turn to the opposite bank, then came back to #3, coughed up a pellet, and attempted another dive — but missed this time. ^^; He then flew upstream and that was the end of the session. Overall, the male and female alternated arrivals roughly every 30 minutes; when only one was coming, it was about every hour.

Thank you so much to everyone who joined us today! ^^

Perches used

Today the birds used branches #3, #1, and #5.

The chick-rearing season has now reached its peak!

Arrival frequency is on the rise — this is the season with the most opportunities for observation and photography. At the Aizu Secret Base, we share real-time field conditions like these every day.

If you are interested in photographing Crested Kingfishers, please also visit our Yamasemi Guide Page and Availability Calendar.

■ Today’s Highlights　

★★★ We were featured in the opening gravure of 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

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

Hello! This is Ootake Camera. Here is the Crested Kingfisher Shooting Base Report for 6/30. This report was shot with the OM-1 II / 150-400mm, on loan from OM System.

4:59 AM — First arrival of the day

It started off as a “no arrivals this morning… uh oh^^;” kind of day.

Around 5:00, we heard a call from the left, and the male landed on branch #2 while the female landed on branch #3. Soon after, they both seemed on edge and flew off separately — one to the right, one to the left.

At 6:20, a female arrived from the forest straight ahead, calling loudly, and landed on Zero — but she was beak-open, gasping for breath… It was clear she had been flying hard for quite a while. Possibly chased off by another pair, or perhaps a raptor… we can’t say for certain, but she had clearly been through a lot.

Around 6:50, a female arrived silently at branch #3, and soon after the male passed by from upstream. He then flew up onto branch #1 and dove — successfully hunting a Japanese Rosy Bitterling.

After that, he bathed several times, giving us a lovely finish — many thanks to the Crested Kingfisher for closing things out so beautifully.

We weren’t sure how the morning would turn out, but in the end the arrivals concentrated during the bright hours, so overall it worked out well!!

Thank you so much to everyone who joined us today! ^^

Perches used

Today the birds used branches #3, #1, and Zero.

The chick-rearing season has reached its peak! Arrival frequency is on the rise — this is the season with the most opportunities for observation and photography. At the Aizu Secret Base, we share real-time field conditions like these every day.

If you are interested in photographing Crested Kingfishers, please also visit our Yamasemi Guide Page and Availability Calendar.

■ Today’s Highlights　

★★★ We were featured in the opening gravure of 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

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

Hello! This is Ootake Camera. Here is the Crested Kingfisher Shooting Base Report for 6/29. (Yesterday’s data was accidentally deleted, so unfortunately no report went out. Our apologies!)

4:17 AM — First arrival of the day

Today a bird flew in from the left and landed on branch #3 first thing in the morning.

From there it put on a great show, returning roughly every 30 minutes until around 7:30 — a wonderfully enjoyable morning! ^^

Perches used

Today #3 was the main perch, followed by #1 and Zero.

The chick-rearing season has reached its peak! Arrival frequency is on the rise — this is the season with the most opportunities for observation and photography. At the Aizu Secret Base, we share real-time field conditions like these every day.

If you are interested in photographing Crested Kingfishers, please also visit our Yamasemi Guide Page and Availability Calendar.

■ Today’s Highlights　

★★★ We were featured in the opening gravure of 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

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

Hello! This is Ootake Camera. Here is the Crested Kingfisher Shooting Base Report for 6/27.

4:34 AM — First arrival of the day

There had already been pass-through flights before this, but 4:34 was when one finally perched on branch #3.

Then — an immediate dive! It successfully hunted a nuptial-colored Japanese Rosy Bitterling, moved to branch #1 to beat the fish, then headed left to deliver it to the chicks.

After that, the female came, then the male, and they even interacted as a pair — it was a thoroughly enjoyable shoot. ^^

Arrivals increase at this time of year, but please note: the birds go almost completely silent — most likely to protect the chicks. Keep your ears open and stay alert.

The chick-rearing season is now in full swing! Arrival frequency is on the rise — this is the season with the most opportunities for observation and photography. At the Aizu Secret Base, we share real-time field conditions like these every day.

If you are interested in photographing Crested Kingfishers, please also visit our Yamasemi Guide Page and Availability Calendar.

■ Today’s Highlights　

★★★ We were featured in the opening gravure of 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

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

Hello! This is Ootake Camera. Here is the Crested Kingfisher Shooting Base Report for 6/26.

7:26 AM — First arrival of the day

Arrivals are always later on rainy days, but with such heavy rain this morning, they were delayed considerably. That said, the later light meant better brightness, so we enjoyed experimenting with shutter speed — slower and faster — to capture the rain in different ways.

Main perches: #3 and #1

The birds perched on branches #3 and #1. These are shaping up to be the main spots going forward.

The chick-rearing season is now in full swing! Arrival frequency is on the rise — this is the season with the most opportunities for observation and photography. At the Aizu Secret Base, we share real-time field conditions like these every day.

If you are interested in photographing Crested Kingfishers, please also visit our Yamasemi Guide Page and Availability Calendar.

■ Today’s Highlights　

★★★ We were featured in the opening gravure of 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

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

Hello! This is Ootake Camera. Here is the Crested Kingfisher Shooting Base Report for 6/25.

4:09 AM — First arrivals of the day

The Crested Kingfishers began arriving again around 4:10 AM. As expected, the male and female appear to be taking turns hunting and carrying fish back to the chicks. That said, the very first Yamame trout of the morning was eaten on the spot — perhaps that one was just too hard to give up! (laughs)

Main perches: #3 and #1

The birds perched on branches #3 and #1. We expect this pattern to continue going forward.

The chick-rearing season is now in full swing! Arrival frequency is on the rise — this is the season with the most opportunities for observation and photography. At the Aizu Secret Base, we share real-time field conditions like these every day.

If you are interested in photographing Crested Kingfishers, please also visit our Yamasemi Guide Page and Availability Calendar.

■ Today’s Highlights　

★★★ We were featured in the opening gravure of 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

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

Hello! This is Ootake Camera. Here is the Crested Kingfisher Shooting Base Report for 6/20.

4:10 AM — First arrivals again today

Again today, the Crested Kingfishers began arriving around 4:10 AM. We confirmed 1 male and 1 female. Today, the pair on the left came to hunt frequently and were carrying fish back to the chicks!

We can safely say the peak season has begun! And to top it off, they hunted a nuptial-colored Japanese Rosy Bitterling!

Main perches: #3, #1, and Zero

The branches most used for hunting and post-hunt perching were #3 and Zero, occasionally #1. In the latter half of the session, arrivals from #5 to Zero became more frequent.

The chick-rearing season appears to be in full swing! Arrival frequency is increasing, meaning more opportunities for observation and photography. At the Aizu Secret Base, we share real-time field conditions like these every day.

If you are interested in photographing Crested Kingfishers, please also visit our Yamasemi Guide Page and Availability Calendar.

■ Today’s Highlights　

★★★ We were featured in the opening gravure of 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

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

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.