☆ The Crested Kingfisher is a resident bird and can be photographed year-round.
The easiest shooting period is from mid-July to late August, but every season offers its own unique scenes to enjoy.
☆ The Mountain Hawk-Eagle is also a resident bird and can be photographed year-round.
From the perspective of species conservation and habitat protection, we suspend guided sessions during the chick-rearing period. Our guided sessions run from November through May.
☆ The Ruddy Kingfisher arrives as a summer visitor. After settling in, the photography season runs from June through mid-August.
★★★ April ★★★
● Crested Kingfisher
○ When conditions allow, we aim for flight shots against a backdrop of mountain cherry blossoms.
○ Others: Common Kingfisher, Mandarin Duck, Little Grebe, Osprey, Peregrine Falcon, Common Merganser, etc.
● Mountain Hawk-Eagle
○ From mid to late April, we aim for flight shots against cherry blossoms and fresh green foliage.
○ Others: Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Crested Kingfisher, Eurasian Jay, Copper Pheasant, etc.
★★★ May ★★★
● Crested Kingfisher
○ Around the 20th, we aim for shots combining the bird with wisteria in bloom.
○ Others: Common Kingfisher, Mandarin Duck, Little Grebe, Osprey, Peregrine Falcon, Common Merganser, etc.
● Mountain Hawk-Eagle
○ In early May, we aim for flight shots against cherry blossoms and fresh green foliage.
○ Others: Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Crested Kingfisher, Eurasian Jay, Copper Pheasant, etc.
★★★ June ★★★
● Crested Kingfisher
○ Chick-rearing picks up and hunting frequency increases.
○ Others: Common Kingfisher, Mandarin Duck, Little Grebe, Osprey, Peregrine Falcon, Common Merganser, etc.
● Ruddy Kingfisher
○ Others: Common Kingfisher, Mandarin Duck, White's Thrush, Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Eurasian Nuthatch, Japanese Tit, Narcissus Flycatcher, Japanese Robin, etc.
★★★ July ★★★
● Ruddy Kingfisher
○ Guided sessions are planned through the end of the month.
○ Chick-rearing and food delivery can be expected.
○ Others: Common Kingfisher, Mandarin Duck, White's Thrush, Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Eurasian Nuthatch, Japanese Tit, Narcissus Flycatcher, Japanese Robin, etc.
● Crested Kingfisher
○ You can photograph the young birds practicing their first flights.
○ Morning river mist creates a magical, dreamlike atmosphere for photography.
○ Others: Common Kingfisher, Mandarin Duck, Little Grebe, Osprey, Peregrine Falcon, Common Merganser, etc.
★★★ August ★★★
● Crested Kingfisher
○ Family flight shots and dramatic diving scenes can be captured.
○ Morning river mist creates a magical, dreamlike atmosphere for photography.
○ Others: Common Kingfisher, Mandarin Duck, Little Grebe, Osprey, Peregrine Falcon, Common Merganser, etc.
★★★ September ★★★
● Crested Kingfisher
○ Family flights and dynamic action shots can be captured.
○ Morning river mist creates a magical, dreamlike atmosphere for photography.
○ Others: Common Kingfisher, Mandarin Duck, Little Grebe, Osprey, Peregrine Falcon, Common Merganser, etc.
★★★ October ★★★
● Crested Kingfisher
○ Family flights and dynamic action shots can be captured.
○ Depending on location, autumn colors blend into the scenery for beautiful seasonal shots.
○ Others: Common Kingfisher, Mandarin Duck, Little Grebe, Osprey, Peregrine Falcon, Common Merganser, etc.
● Mountain Hawk-Eagle
○ Mountain Hawk-Eagle guided sessions are expected to open as early as mid-October.
○ Others: Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Crested Kingfisher, Eurasian Jay, Copper Pheasant, etc.
★★★ November ★★★
● Crested Kingfisher
○ Family flights and dynamic action shots can be captured.
○ Autumn colors provide a stunning backdrop for both flight and perching shots.
○ Others: Common Kingfisher, Mandarin Duck, Little Grebe, Osprey, Peregrine Falcon, Common Merganser, etc.
● Mountain Hawk-Eagle
○ Photography guide season opens — autumn foliage combined with the eagle makes for stunning shots.
○ Others: Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Crested Kingfisher, Eurasian Jay, Copper Pheasant, etc.
★★★ December ★★★
● Crested Kingfisher
We continue guided sessions while carefully monitoring safety conditions.
● Mountain Hawk-Eagle
○ Full season begins.
○ Snow acts as a natural reflector, bringing out the beautiful feather patterns beautifully.
○ Others: Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Crested Kingfisher, Eurasian Jay, Copper Pheasant, etc.
★★★ January ★★★
● Crested Kingfisher
We continue guided sessions while carefully monitoring safety conditions.
Let's aim for shots of the Crested Kingfisher against a snowy backdrop.
● Mountain Hawk-Eagle
○ Snow deepens, allowing for even more beautiful shots.
○ Others: Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Crested Kingfisher, Eurasian Jay, Copper Pheasant, etc.
★★★ February ★★★
● Crested Kingfisher
We continue guided sessions while carefully monitoring safety conditions.
Let's aim for shots of the Crested Kingfisher against a snowy backdrop.
● Mountain Hawk-Eagle
○ Snow deepens, allowing for even more beautiful shots.
○ In pairing years, the birds begin to move together as a pair more frequently from this time.
○ Others: Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Crested Kingfisher, Eurasian Jay, Copper Pheasant, etc.
★★★ March ★★★
● Crested Kingfisher
From this time, pairs are seen together more frequently.
● Mountain Hawk-Eagle
○ In pairing years, pairs are seen moving together even more frequently.
○ Others: Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Crested Kingfisher, Eurasian Jay, Copper Pheasant, etc.
