It is calm in Sounkyo, the first mild day we have had in a quite a long time.
Although the cold is severe, the sky has finally cleared up.
Today, I took a walk along the Ishikari River, also the first time in quite some time.
After walking about 30 minutes, I heard a loud rustling of wings above me. I looked up to see Haliaeetus albicilla and Haliaeetus pelagicus, both protected species, flying a short distance away.
At first I thought they were chasing each other, but then they seemed to be having a hushed conversation (center photo).
After a few moments, the Haliaeetus pelagicus took off. I had never seen one so close before.
Yes, without a doubt…
The Haliaeetus pelagicus and Haliaeetus albicilla are magnificent birds.
In contrast to last year, the amount of accumulated snow has been slightly small this season.
Perhaps because of this, I could not tell if the remains of a dead Cervus nippon yesoensis were nearby. Nonetheless, it was a rare paired appearance of these two birds.
Photos: Haliaeetus pelagicus and Haliaeetus albicilla (left and center), Haliaeetus pelagicus (right)
Feb. 4
Although the cold is severe, the sky has finally cleared up.
Today, I took a walk along the Ishikari River, also the first time in quite some time.
After walking about 30 minutes, I heard a loud rustling of wings above me. I looked up to see Haliaeetus albicilla and Haliaeetus pelagicus, both protected species, flying a short distance away.
At first I thought they were chasing each other, but then they seemed to be having a hushed conversation (center photo).
After a few moments, the Haliaeetus pelagicus took off. I had never seen one so close before.
Yes, without a doubt…
The Haliaeetus pelagicus and Haliaeetus albicilla are magnificent birds.
In contrast to last year, the amount of accumulated snow has been slightly small this season.
Perhaps because of this, I could not tell if the remains of a dead Cervus nippon yesoensis were nearby. Nonetheless, it was a rare paired appearance of these two birds.
Photos: Haliaeetus pelagicus and Haliaeetus albicilla (left and center), Haliaeetus pelagicus (right)
Feb. 4
