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Birding in Shinshu (early summer)

Katakuri or Dog-tooth Violet © 2001 Koji TAGI

In the middle of the Honshu Island, there are several high mountain chains. They are called Japan Alps. Shinshu is the district which contains the Japan Alps. Shinshu is a home for a large number of song birds and popular destination for Japanese birdwatchers.

After the "Golden Week", early summer migrants start arriving deciduous rainforest in Shinshu. In Togakushi, one of the famous birding spots in Shinshu, Brown Thrush (Photo left), Narcissus Flycatcher and Japanese Grey Thrush create beautiful chorus in the spring forest. Although their songs are not so outstanding as the previously mentioned species, Asian Brown Flycatcher, Eastern Crowned Warbler and Black-faced Bunting (photo below, left) also sing their songs.

Despite the volcal call, Siberian Blue Robin is secretive and shy in the undergrowth. Similar but louder song is from Japanese Robin. The robin is found higher mountains than the blue robin.

Another shy bird, Grey Bunting (photo below, right), is numerous in Togakushi. The loud call is heard from the deep green forest.

At the forest edge, rufous Russet Sparrow looks busy for building their nest while a colourful Chestnut-cheeked Starling quietly sits on the light green tree. Melodious song from Japanese Yellow Bunting makes me exciting!

Early June, light green forest changes to deep green. Cuckoo's call is echoed in the forest while Little Cuckoo and Hodgson's Hawk Cuckoo sometimes utter the noisy call. Similar to Brown Thrush but much shorter call is from Siberian Ground Thrush (photo right). Although the glossy black male is not easily seen, the sharp call is impressive enough.

At the open grassland, black and rufous Stonechat are seen. A Latham's Snipe repeats the dynamic display flight on the sky. Grey-headed Bunting sings from an light orange lily.

Although many foreign birders visit Japan for watching cranes and sea-eagles, Japanese summer is also fantastic for birding. If you have an opportunity to visit Japan in spring and summer, you should not miss visiting Shinshu for listening wonderful songs of birds.

If you are more interested in Japanese bird song's, click here for "Bird Songs in Japan"

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