Bird Watching in Japan & Asia

2026-07-19

Birdwatching in Fukuoka and Saga

In Fukuoka, we were able to spot a male Copper Pheasant, which was undoubtedly the highlight of the tour. Although the mountain is at a low altitude, the climb was steep, so we ascended slowly, allowing the participants to take occasional breaks, and after about an hour, we spotted the male emerging from the side of the trail. In Saga, we were able to observe waterbirds, including the endangered Saunder’s Gull.

Saunder's Gull

Copper Pheasant

2026-07-18

Birdwatching in Enrei, Nara and Yamato River (January 26-27, 2026)

At Enrei, the snow and cold temperatures made it difficult to spot birds, but I was lucky enough to come across a Pallas’s Rosefinch. In Nara, I spotted a male Baer’s Pochard—a species classified as ‘Endangered’—and a female Ferruginous Duck, whilst on the Yamato River I saw a Scaly-sided Merganser, a rare sighting.