Author: vc-dev

Today I found Ardea cinerea in a breeding colony.
Their arrival here was first observed at the end of March. When I happened to pass by the same place today, I saw about 10 birds incubating eggs.
When they first arrived, their number was so great that even local residents came by to watch.
At that time, I could not have imagined that they would choose to breed in this place with so many people and cars going by.
In the case of Ardea cinerea, the male gathers materials to build a nest, while the female puts them together into a dish-shaped structure on tree limbs. After that, the male and female take turns incubating their eggs. The fledglings leave the nest about two months later.
However, crows and black kites were circling overhead. And there is a construction site right next to the colony!
I do hope the chicks grow up safely.
But why in the world did their parents build their colony in such a dangerous place?
Photos: A Ardea cinerea colony May 10

The Rhododendron dauricum are blooming in the gorge, while the Lysichiton camtschatcense are flowering near Kiyokawa along National Route 39.
Spring has definitely arrived.
The area will really come to life when the cherry trees blossom.
Photos: Rhododendron dauricum above the gorge (left) and Kiyokawa Mizubashoen Park (right)
May 10

The Rhododendron dauricum are blooming about 20 days earlier than last year above the gorge.
Here and there, the area is taking on fresh colors amid the snowy landscape.
As this happens, the coloring of the springtime “fall foliage,” a unique phenomenon of this season, is becoming deeper with each passing day.
The Cercidiphyllum japonicum, Betula ermanii, Padus ssiori and other plants are turning, greenish yellow, and green, creating an appearance that looks just like the fall foliage.
This springtime “fall foliage” is occurring because the leaves will not have sufficient chlorophyll until the time for full-scale photosynthesis arrives. As a result, they are still thin. Because of this, a substance called “anthocyanin” colors the young leaves to block ultraviolet rays and protect the
leaves.
This coloring continues to deepen at the present time. However, when it ends, the gorge will enter a season of fresh green leaves.
Although the mountains are still covered with snow, it is about the time of year to start preparations for the climbing season.
Photo: New bright-red Cercidiphyllum japonicum leaves above Sounkyo Gorge May 9

time has come for Lepus timidus ainu to shed their winter coat.
The hare in the photographs looks like it is wearing a mask.
I finally managed to take a few photographs, but then the hare noticed me and bolted away at an astonishing speed.
I spent a lot of time today waiting very quietly and patiently for the hare to approach.
Photo: A Lepus timidus ainu in Kamikawa Town May 6

Today I’d like to report on conditions in Momijidani Valley.
A lot of snow still remains.
Although the trail is not completely covered with snow, I would recommend using snowshoes if possible.
The trail is passable in boots. However, given the higher temperatures, visitors’ feet could punch through the snow’s surface or slip in slightly steep sections. Caution is required.
For more information, please click on this link. →
http://sounkyovc.net/trails/sonota/140501momiji.pdf
Photo: Momijidaki Fall, the end of the Momijidani trail May 1