Author: vc-dev

For the first time in a while, it has been warm since daybreak.
I seized the opportunity to take an early-morning walk.
A lot of the snow has melted. In the nearby forest, walking on snowshoes is no longer possible, although walking in regular shoes is still difficult.
Determining that it would be impossible to go far into the forest, I decided to observe the birds nearby. But then I saw a Pteromys volans orii pressed up against the side of a tree. It had become so much a part of the tree’s appearance that at first I did not even notice it.
It looked just like a badge.
I looked all around but unfortunately could not locate its nest.
Finding myself surprised to be reminded of how close the animals are, I looked all around to see if there were any large animal tracks on the ground. It’s becoming that time of year when going out alone in the mornings and evenings is not such a good idea.
Photo: A Pteromys volans orii Apr. 24

Like last year, Sounkyo is being visited by Turdus pallidus.
Although they are regular visitors, they arrive in fairly small numbers, which makes actual sightings of them quite rare.
Their bodies measure about 23 cm in length. On this day, I saw one come down to feed on nuts.
One thing that makes this time of year special is the opportunity to see rare birds.
I wonder what kinds of migratory bird we’ll see this year.
Photo: A Turdus pallidus in Kamikawa Town Apr. 20

The Caltha fistulosa have begun to appear.
Their appearance is a sign that spring is arriving.
Last year they were observed on April 17, which was roughly the same time as this year.
Although there is still a lot of snow remaining deep in the forest, along the stream banks, it is spring.
Photo: Caltha fistulosa at Sounkyo Apr. 19

During a walk I came across a Vulpes vulpes schrencki.
As you can see in the photo, it was still wearing its fluffy winter coat.
The foxes will soon begin to shed to a summer coat, so this fluffy appearance will not be around for much longer.
Photo: A Vulpes vulpes schrencki at Sounkyo Apr. 19

The Nyctereutes procyonides albus have awakened from their winter hibernation.
I photographed them around the same time last year, so it seems this is generally the time that they end their winter sleep, although it’s likely the temperature and other factors have a role in determining the timing.
It may be because they’ve just awakened, but they seem to be moving slowly and have a somewhat vacant look in their eyes.
They will need to get sufficient nourishment, as their mating season will begin soon. However, they’ll probably have some difficulty finding food with the ground still covered with a lot of snow.
Photo: A Nyctereutes procyonides albus awakened from winter sleep Apr. 15