Bird Watching in Japan & Asia

2026-09-10

Birdwatching in Rausu and Yoroushi 1 (February 22, 2026)

The winter season of 2025–2026 proved to be the most spectacular for eagle watching in Rausu. The sight of the White-tailed Eagle and Steller’s Eagle perched on the drift ice was truly beautiful, and the contrast against the blue sky was particularly striking. We were able to observe the Blakiston’s Fish-owl at Yoro-ushi well on that day too, but sadly, it died in May.

Steller's Eagle

Long-tailed Tit

2026-09-09

Birdwatching in Nosappu, Hokkaido (February 20,2026)

The winter of 2025–2026 saw a large number of Short-eared Owls migrating to the region. They were frequently sighted in Hokkaido as well; at Cape Nosappu in eastern Hokkaido, as many as five were observed in a single day.

Short-eared Owl

2026-08-28

Birdwatching in Maioka-Koen (February 17, 2026)

This is the closest birding spot to the house in Yokohama where I lived until four years ago. Whilst the number of birds is by no means large, species such as the Eurasian Woodcock and the Brown-cheeked Rail can be seen there. Although I didn’t spot either of them on this particular day, I did manage to see a White’s Thrush.

Long-tailed Tit

Asian Tit

Hawfinch

White's Thrush

2026-08-07

Birdwatching in Okinawa (February 15-16, 2026)

We spent three days in Kunigami Village, Okinawa. However, we were unable to observe important endemic species such as the Okinawa Rail and the Okinawa Woodpecker under favourable conditions. On the other hand, we were fortunate to have good opportunities to observe the Okinawa Robin and the Ryukyu Minivet. On our final day, we also had an unexpected encounter with a Desert Wheatear on the coast.