The great spotted woodpecker (Dendrocopos major) is a medium-sized woodpecker with pied black and white plumage with a red patch on its lower belly. Males and young birds also have red markings on the neck or head. So I was so happy when I finally got an upclose photo of the woodpecker days before I leave Japan for good.
Tag: Animals
Shoushan Monkeys
Only endemic in Taiwan, the Taiwanese macaques or Formosan rock macaques (Macaca cyclopis) are the only native primates living in the island. One family usually consists of an average of 45 individuals. Unfortunately, the species is considered vulnerable due to habitat loss and hunting. They were hunted down because of the damage they were causing to agricultural crops and their use in experimental evaluation of new drugs.
The Search for Shima-Enaga
Listed as one of the cutest animals in Hokkaido, I was in pursuit of shima-enaga or the Hokkaido long-tailed tits. However, in the three weeks that I have been looking for this elusive bird, I have encountered 3 other species of birds.
Flashnote: Cafe Of Owls
There are a number of owl cafes in Tokyo. And the most famous on the internet is the “Fukuro no Mise” which has many positive reviews. The name literally means “cafe of owls”. Located few blocks away from the Tsukishima station, its place is not that easy to find.
All About Squirrels
The Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is a tree squirrel common throughout Asia and Europe. Their number have declined drastically in parts of Europe due to the introduction of another tree squirrel from North America, the eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis).
Birdwatching In Tokachi Part 2
To continue my story about our birdwatching in Tokachi yesterday, our next goal was to see sea eagles. We went to Toyokoro, Taiki and finally to Hiroo but to no avail, it was hard to catch a glimpse of this bird of prey.
Birdwatching In Tokachi Part 1
We started our birdwatching at the Satsunai Garden Onsen. Near the entrance of the onsen is the Satsunai River where many ducks are just chilling out in the cold water. The sight of the birds with the foggy water just made it magical.
The Whooper Swans Of Hokkaido
The whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus) is a large Northern Hemisphere swan in the Eurasian region. They come here in Hokkaido as one of their wintering sites which include southern Europe and eastern Asia. Whopper swans breed in subarctic Eurasia.
The Japanese Cranes Of Kushiro
The Kushiro-shitsugen Marsh serves as the nesting ground of the Japanese cranes. Since 1952, the habitat of these cranes has been assigned as a special natural monument in Japan.
Birdwatching in Eastern Tokachi
It was March 29th of 2015. My Japanese friend asked me to go with him for my very first birdwatching. Winter was ending and it was good to do birdwatching in Eastern Tokachi. Luckily, we saw some species of birds.