Author: vc-dev

Although finding the tracks of Martes zibellina brachyura is not hard, seeing the actual animal is another story.
They are active throughout the year and do not hibernate. However, they do not seem to prefer any particular time of the day, as they can come out at either day and night.
Having said that, however, it does appear that they come out more often at night. (It is very rare to see them during the daytime.)
Having a body measuring about 50 cm in length and weighing about 1.0 kg, they move extremely quickly and are easily alarmed.
Although they have an adorable face, they can be quite naughty. And they’re even known to prey on Lepus timidus ainu that are larger than themselves from time to time.
Photo: Martes zibellina brachyura Feb. 18

An atmospheric optical phenomenon called a “halo” appeared today.
A halo is a ring of light that appears around the sun when it is covered by a thin cloud.
It is caused by the refraction of light by ice crystals in the atmosphere.
Halos are often seen when poor weather is on the way. Although it was pretty close to perfectly clear this morning, the sky gradually became cloudier through the day.
Photo: Halo Feb. 15

The photo shows a view of the Daisetsuzan peaks taken from Kamikawa’s popular sightseeing spot “Daisetsu Kogen Asahigaoka.”
The sky is a magnificently deep blue and the peaks present a striking profile in the clear and sunny weather.
The sky was so lovely that I adjusted my usual vantage point to include as much of it as possible in the photo.
Photo: The Daisetsuzan peaks taken from Daisetsu Kogen Asahigaoka Feb. 13

Spray icicles form when spray that hit stone surfaces and snow edges accumulates and grows with the force of gravity.
These icicles are not yet transparent. However, as they grow, they will become beautifully clear ice columns.
Their naturally shaped forms always seem somehow mysterious to me.
Photo: Spray icicles in Ishikari River Feb. 13

Today at Sounkyo, it is clear and sunny without a cloud in the sky.
The temperature early this morning was a rather cold -14°C; however, it has since climbed steadily and now sits at -5°C.
The gorge is truly beautiful today, appearing as if it is being bathed in light from the blue sky.
To enjoy the scenery, I began a walk along the river and almost immediately encountered Haliaeetus albicilla.
There were also a few crows about, so I’d guess it is still hanging around for the Cervus nippon yesoensis carcasses.
Photos: Sounkyo Gorge (left) and Haliaeetus albicilla (right) at Sounkyo Feb. 12