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:
| ◆ Current Guiding & Booking Status | Status | Meeting Time | Departure Time |
| Crested Kingfisher | Open |
2:45 AM – 3:00 AM |
3:00 AM |
| Mountain Hawk-Eagle | Closed for the Season | 6:15 AM – 6:25 AM | 6:30 AM |
| Ruddy Kingfisher | Closed for the Season |
* Tours will operate in rainy weather. We plan to utilize professional pop-up photography blinds (tents/hides) for Crested Kingfisher and Ruddy Kingfisher sessions.

