Time flied, and came to the final birding day in Hokkaido this trip. We grabbed the chance to see more birds but we just wandered near Kushiro area in order to catch the flight back to Sapporo in afternoon. So, the birding spots were more or less the same as previous days.
Otowa Bridge was the first spot of the day, hoping for sunrise shot but sadly no fog this day.
final rice dumpling breakfast this trip
not bad
we arrived before sunrise, but there were already many birders and photographers
view from Otowa Bridge - the famous crane roosting site
getting brighter
and brighter
no fog this day, so foggy scene next time
crane may walk closer to the bridge
Crested Ibis on the bridge
we could also see the crane flying from the bridge
We then visited the owl again before the crane feeding show.
Ural Owl
Eurasian Wren
just arrived, we saw some crane flying, and Common Crane is one of them
see the size difference between Common and Red-crowned Crane
feeding time
feeding time
the feeding video
a pair of Red-crowned Crane
dancing crane
weather was not good for photo, but always an enjoyment to see crane dancing!
our ibis with the cranes
peaceful scene
a Carrion Crow flew by
more crane
and flying crane
the Japan Birdwatching society was doing survey here too
very cute, Tung must love this
and time for looking some more to see any lifers...
snack first
and tea
then birds, Brambling on road
Rustic Bunting
many Rustic Bunting
can you see the Rustic
unexpectedly, we could still get some lifers! My first lifer of this day - Long-tailed Rosefinch
then a second lifer for us! Pallas's Rosefinch
the flying Pallas's Rosefinch
a better shot of this male Pallas's Rosefinch
not too long for our third one! Eurasian Bullfinch
Eastern Buzzard
lunch to celebrate, my favorite curry!
and ice cream
Snow came again, so we just went back to the crane spot before heading to airport.
final chance to see crane this trip
crane
and crane
Hokkaido should be the only place you can enjoy many Red-crowned Crane so close
standard shot, with a juvenile behind
a dancing pair, crane in love, this is also one of my favorite shot
you can see how heavy snow here!
Ibis with crane
our lens were all covered by snow!
video of crane
more video
and finally, we needed to go...
miss you the fish owl!
Crane inside Kushiro airport
these are all famous animals in Hokkaido
we flied to Sapporo first to spend one more day in Hokkaido this time while Guillermo, Irene and Yann were heading home.
Thanks Guillermo, Irene and Yann for giving us a fruitful trip, especially Yann for driving and made this trip so successful!
we took train from airport to Sapporo town, cheaper than Tokyo skyliner
Sapporo city, a place Wing Tung wanted to come for long
our hotel
chicken before shopping
the shopping street
one of my favorite
Sake is also my favorite, I chose the one made in Nemuro
tasty!
also fatty tuna, another favorite!
still wanted one more cup even after the great sushi dinner!
and beer to end the last night in Hokkaido this trip!
