Hello! This is Ootake Camera. Here is the Crested Kingfisher Shooting Base Report for 7/2.
4:16 AM — First arrival of the day
Arrivals were right on schedule this morning — around 4:15 as usual. It was a little dark given the rain and early hour, but we got started shooting regardless. Honestly, we were treated to more shutter opportunities than we could keep track of.
Looking back at the key patterns: the male mainly hunted by diving from branch #3, while the female’s primary hunting perch was branch #1. That said, branch #3 was clearly the central hub for both of them.
Today the birds used branches #3, #1, #5, and Zero.
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.
🛡 We take safety seriously, including Asian black bear countermeasuresLearn more →
■ 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!
| ◆ Current Guide Availability | Status | Meeting Time | Departure Time |
| Crested Kingfisher | Accepting Reservations |
2:45–3:00 |
3:00 |
| Mountain Hawk-Eagle | Accepting Reservations | 6:15–6:25 | 6:30 |
| Ruddy Kingfisher | Closed |
※Sessions are held rain or shine. A tent-style hide is planned for Crested Kingfisher and Ruddy Kingfisher tours.