Cover photo by Junya
Each prefecture has a designated 'Prefectural Bird' as its symbol. This time, we introduce photos of these birds taken in their respective prefectures, submitted to cizucu. Experience the joy of capturing the image of a Prefectural Bird in its natural habitat.
Red-crowned Crane (Hokkaido)
Photo by gs_pilot
The Red-crowned Crane, gracefully flying over the vast wetlands of Hokkaido, truly symbolizes the natural beauty of Japan. Its pure white feathers and red crown make it a perfect subject for photographers. Especially in winter, its presence on the snowy fields can appear almost divine. As an endangered species, more than half of the world's Red-crowned Cranes are said to reside in Hokkaido, making it a precious bird to capture.
Rock Ptarmigan (Toyama, Gifu, Nagano Prefectures)
Photo by eriko
The Rock Ptarmigan is a rare bird inhabiting alpine zones, and its plumage changes color between summer and winter, allowing you to enjoy its appearance throughout the seasons. It can be seen in mountainous regions, harmonizing with the rugged yet beautiful alpine landscapes. Capturing its coexistence with alpine plants using a wide-angle lens is also a great choice. This bird is also designated as an endangered species, so it's important to approach quietly and not disturb its natural state when photographing.
Seagull (Kanagawa Prefecture)
Photo by ☆グッチー☆
The Seagull, a representative bird of Kanagawa's coast, is known for its graceful flight on the sea breeze. There are various locations for photography, including ports, beaches, and around lighthouses. Seagulls are relatively friendly, so you can enjoy photographing them not only with a telephoto lens but also with standard or wide-angle lenses.
The list of Prefectural Birds is available on the National Governors' Association website. Why not learn about the Prefectural Bird of your area or the prefecture you plan to visit and capture it as your subject?
