Nature surrounded by the city! Here is one of the best bird watching spots in East Hokkaido!

Just a 10-minute drive from Kushiro Station, Harutori Lake suddenly appears after passing through the city center surrounded by houses and commercial facilities.

Harutori Lake is a coastal lake, and is a brackish lake where seawater and freshwater mix. With an area of about 10 hectares, Harutori Lake is a popular place for citizens to take strolls and walks and relax.
It is also a spot full of nature, designated as a national natural monument as a habitat of the Harutori Lake crucian carp.

Although located in a city, Harutori Lake is also known as a bird-watching spot that attracts wild birds throughout the four seasons!
This time, I will introduce some of the birds that gather at Harutori Lake.

Nuthatch (throughout the year) (this photo was taken in December)

A member of the wagtail family, it can walk on the ground. In Honshu and southward, it is often found in mountainous areas, but in Hokkaido, it can be observed in forests on the plains.

Long-tailed tit (found throughout the year) (this photo was taken in December)

Nowadays, it is a very popular bird! The long-tailed tit. It is smaller than the sparrow and moves around quickly. Since it is a resident bird, you can observe it all year round at Harutori Lake.

Olive-backed pipit (found in summer to fall) (this photo was taken in October)

A member of the wagtail family, it can walk on the ground. In Honshu and southward, it is often found in mountainous areas, but in Hokkaido, it can be observed in forests on the plains.

Jay (found throughout the year) (this photo was taken in November)

It is a relatively large wild bird measuring about 30 cm and is a member of the crow family. It is characterized by its beautiful brown and blue feathers. Hokkaido has a subspecies called the Miyama jay (Garrulus glandarius brandtii).

Great spotted woodpecker (found throughout the year) (this photo was taken in January)

It is a member of the woodpecker family. From time to time, you can hear “Ka-ka-ka-ka-ka…,” the sound of poking wood from the forest. Males have a red patch on the nape, females have an all-black nape, and juveniles have an all-red crown.

Hawfinch (found in winter) (this photo was taken in January)

It breeds in Hokkaido in spring and summer, and migrates to Honshu in early fall. It is a medium-sized bird that often appears around wild-bird feeders.

What did you think of it?
This time, I have introduced some birds in the mountain and forest areas, but since Harutori Lake is located very close to the coast, it is a wonderful place where, depending on the location, you can observe seabirds as well.
When you visit Kushiro, be sure to stop by Harutori Lake, where you can feel the nature of Hokkaido at close quarters.

Harutori Lake Nature Center

The Harutori Lake Nature Center has information on the seasonal flowers and plants that grow in Harutori Park, as well as exhibits of stuffed wild bird. If you are stopping by Harutori Lake, why not visit this place?

Phone: 0154-42-4212
Address: 1-38 Shunkodai, Kushiro City
Business period: From the 3rd Saturday in April to 31 October
*Closed every Monday
Business hours: April to September: 10:30 am to 4:00 pm
October: 10:30 am to 3:30 pm
Website: http://www.kushiro-park.com/publics/index/61/