Kumoba Ike in Karuizawa

Kumoba Ike, which is a tiny dammed pond in Karuizawa town, is a popular destination for a walk, photo-taking, sketching and bird-watching.

A popular destination for wintering ducks too:)

Mallards (Magamoマガモ)

a Spot-billed Duck (Karugamoカルガモ), Tufted Duck (Kinkurohajiroキンクロハジロ) and Pochard (Hoshihajiroホシハジロ) from the left.

a very tranquil view of the pond

While walking under the conifirs by the pond, we heard bird calls unfamiliar to us.

Hmmm...
Who could that little one be...

It was him! Our first Rustic Bunting (Kashiradakaカシラダカ)!

He was with his friend and calling each other. A lovely fellow!

A Japanese Wagtail (Segurosekireiセグロセキレイ) was restlessly walking past before us, foraging and

had a short break:)

 Another busy-buzy came along.

A Grey Wagtail (Kisekireiキセキレイ) looked even busier than the Japanese Wagtail.

No time to lose!

Other birds we encountered during our walk

Eastern Great Tits
(Shijuukaraシジュウカラ)

 

Willow Tits
(Kogaraコガラ)

                              
Varied Tits
(Yamagaraヤマガラ)



                                       

Goldcrests
(Kikuitadakiキクイタダキ)

Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker
(Kogeraコゲラ)

Jay
(Kakesuカケス)













Great Spotted Woodpecker
(Akageraアカゲラ)












and a lot more!

Local maps for walking/hiking/cycling are available in the tourist information centre or major hotels.












Information about Karuizawa (in Japanese)
http://kanko.town.karuizawa.nagano.jp/sightseeing/048.php