In February 2025, I travelled with a small photography group to Japan . So many highlights in this winter wonderland. Join me as I relive photographing the wildlife which live and survive in the pristine environment in minus temperatures.
I’ll start with some photos of the endangered Red Capped Cranes. Watching them dance and bow was amazing. They are so elegant and graceful.
In flight
Coming into land
Neck stretched
One foot down
One foot still to land
Awkard Landing
Bowing
Bowing to you
Dance with a leaf
Crossed legs
Curved necks
Layers of birds
Jumping for Swan
I'll land on you
Dancing for the Swan
Jumping for joy
Let us dance
Jumping on Snow
Dropped the leaf
Two dancing
Wings Spread
Dance with me
Looking over wing
Nice Bowing
Two landing
Surrounded by others
Dancing together
Dancing with dry leaf
Jumping in between birds
Wings Spread
One for me
One grain of corn in mouth
Looking up
One Leg
Searching
Turning
Some in background
Who is 1075
Awkward Landing
It was snowing on the morning we walked to see the Snow Monkeys. At times the snow was falling so heavy it was hard to see them in their environment. Challenging conditions to get there and take photos but worth every moment to see them interacting and enjoying the thermal pool.
Big Eyes
Great Eyes
Protected by thick hair
All wet after emerging from hot spring
Hang on
No one is listening
Come down with me
Come on down its freezing
Snow in my eyes
Not Happy
Phew so warm and relaxing
I'm going to stop here
Eyes shut as snow falls
Nice in here
Found something to eat
Digging for food under rock
Sitting in thermal pool
Snow freezing on wet hair
Sitting in snow storm
Surprise under snow
Digging for food under rocks
Having a snack
Having a think
Pensive
Cold in snow
Checking who is coming
Looking for Mum
My toes aren't frozen
What should I do
When will it stop snowing
Bright eyes
Great eye lashes
Pensive
Portrait of a Snow Monkey
Protected by thick hair
Snow Monkey in falling snow
Let me share a snap shot of the landscape and the winter wonderland.
Snowing on gardens
And the snow kept falling
Fruit trees in winter
Covered in snow
Trees laden with snow
In the snow
Top of mountain in lake
Lake Mashu
On edge of lake
Morning Cloud
Mt Fuji at sunset
Mt Fuji
On edge by sea
Home for White Tailed Sea Eagle
One pine tree
There is a tree in there
Lots of steam
Hot sulphur springs
Waking up in steam
Very cold at dusk
Mist at sunrise
Sunrise through ice
Through the edge of snow
Ice crystals
Where do I start
Storm brewing
Light and Shade of Snow Storm
In a snow storm
Visibility poor
A snow storm from behind a window
Snow storm drift
Storm abating
The beautiful Whooper Swans are found in and around lakes as well as the warm mineral springs. They share these locations with the Red Capped Cranes and many other birds.
A peaceful lake to live
Coming to land
A drop of water
Making a wave
Odd one
One Whooper Swan
Three Whooper Swans
Whooper Swan
Mirror Image
On Lake
Whooper Swans
Dancing for the Whooper Swan
Spreading wings in steam
Wings spread in steam
In the steam
Just landed
Meeting time
Stellar Sea Eagles and the White Sea Eagle were fun to photograph as they dived for fish and then fought over their catch.
Stellar Sea Eagles
Good landing
Watching the landing
On Snow
Why are you here
You are in my space
Will it catch a fish
Ready to get fish
Making a splash
Was the fish caught
Lift off
Magnificent wings with rain spots
Watch out
Stellar Sea Eagle sitting on snow
On an angle
White Tailed Sea Eagles
Ready to fish
White Tailed Sea Eagle
Making a big splash
Firm hold on fish
Big Fish
Been fishing in falling snow
Both alert
Hiding
In deep snow
Someone is coming
In a hold in snow
Claws coming
It is mine
A battle
All action
Both enjoying some fish
Eating a fish head
Food in snow
Big tongue
Last but not least are the orcas, red fox & deer .
Mother and young orchas
Close
Play fight
A healthy Red Fox
A Red Fox
Eyes watching
Run with meal
Snow on nose