Join me for an unforgettable Hokkaido Birding Photography Tour, starting from various scenic locations across Japan's breathtaking northern island. One of the highlights of my annual tour is a visit to Shiretoko National Park, a gem celebrated for its stunning, pristine landscapes. It's not just about the birds here; the park is a haven for a diverse array of wildlife that will genuinely captivate your spirit of adventure. However, as we explore the wonders of this peninsula, we must be mindful that we might encounter magnificent brown bears (Ursus arctos yesoensis) who have been spotted in winter out of hibernation in the past few years foraging for food, plus you will encounter the graceful sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis), and charming Hokkaido red foxes (Vulpes vulpes schrencki) in their natural surroundings.
As your Hokkaido Photography Workshop Leader, your safety and enjoyment are my utmost priorities! With more than 27 years of experience leading photography workshops in Japan, I'm excited to take you on a journey off the beaten path, encouraging you to observe and photograph the enchanting wildlife that calls Hokkaido home safely.
During Hokkaido Photo Tours, we'll embark on a chartered ship into the stunning Sea of Okhotsk, where you'll have the thrilling opportunity to encounter the majestic Steller's Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus) among the pack ice, their winter feeding habitat. These remarkable creatures are not only among the largest and most powerful diurnal birds on Earth, but they are also a breathtaking sight to behold. Typically weighing up to 10 kg (22 pounds), and their height on average is around 94 cm (3 feet), they boast an impressive wingspan of up to 250 cm (8.2 feet). Their dark brown plumage, accented by striking white on their shoulders, rump, and forehead, makes them truly majestic. The eagle's striking yellow, curved beak, the largest among raptors, is impressively sharp, enabling these magnificent birds to devour their meals with ease swiftly!
Witnessing these eagles in action as they swoop down to catch fish is a thrilling experience you won't forget! Their diet primarily consists of fish, although they are known to hunt sea lions or land animals when necessary. It's important to note that the Steller's Sea Eagle is legally protected in Japan and is designated as a National Treasure. Classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), their population in the wild is approximately 4,000, with the majority visiting Japan's rich fishing waters each winter.
