Bird watching

Bird watching on Notsuke Peninsula can be enjoyed throughout the year

More than 220 species of birds have been spotted on Notsuke Peninsula, making it one of the best bird watching spots in Japan. Thanks to the birds that appear each season from spring to winter, bird watching can be enjoyed all year round.

Spring is the season for migratory birds. Ducks such as greater scaup, black ducks, and wigeons gather in Notsuke Bay, sometimes exceeding 40,000 birds in numbers. The rare redshank can also be seen, and Notsuke Peninsula is one of its breeding grounds in Japan. In summer, summer birds such as stonechat, scarlet finch, and Japanese bush warbler breed in the fields, filling the air with their song. In autumn, shorebirds stop by the tidal flats, followed by brent geese, whooper swans, and ducks, who gather in Notsuke Bay for the winter.Birds of prey such as peregrine falcons and goshawks also fly in to catch the birds. Winter is the quietest season for bird watching. Whooper swans and northern pintails remain on the frozen bay, and snow buntings and bush grosbeaks can be seen on the snowy fields. In particular, about one-third of the Steller's sea eagles and white-tailed eagles that migrate to Japan spend the winter in this area, with some years seeing more than 300 birds. If you time it right, you might even be able to spot rare birds such as gyrfalcons and snowy owls.

Main bird watching spots

Mouth of the Chashibone River

Located near the Dai-ni Shibetsu Observation Parking Lot, this is a breeding ground for red-crowned cranes, white-tailed eagles, and common redshanks. From December to January, when there is little snow, you can see birds of prey gathering on the grasslands.
Ponnit Thai

From mid-June to mid-July, the entire area is covered in daylilies. Summer birds such as Latham's Snipe and Japanese Warblers can be seen among them. During spring and autumn migrations, sandpipers and plovers can be seen on the tidal flats, and in late autumn, the silver grass fields shine golden, allowing you to see birds of prey such as short-eared owls and grey-streaked harriers.
Narawara

In the unique scenery that represents the Notsuke Peninsula, you can observe shorebirds such as the Red-legged Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Godwit, and Ruddy Turnstone during the spring and autumn migration seasons.
Along the Todowara Promenade

The walking path (30 minutes one way) that runs from Notsuke Nature Center to Todowara is a great spot to observe summer birds such as scarlet finches, striped warblers, and ruby-throated sparrowhawks from spring to summer. In winter, it's a great spot to see Steller's sea eagles and white-tailed eagles against the backdrop of the frozen bay.
Bird Observation House

The Notsuke Peninsula Bird Observation Observation Facility is located within walking distance from the final point on the Notsuke Peninsula that can be reached by car. There is a freshwater pond nearby, which is a great spot for bird watching, attracting many geese and ducks during the spring and autumn migration seasons. However, during the harsh winter, the pond freezes over completely, making it unsuitable for bird watching.
The tip of Notsuke Peninsula

In winter, small birds such as snow buntings gather at the tip of the river. From Notsukezaki Lighthouse, you will need to obtain a pass from the Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center.

Observation Guidelines

To minimize the impact on wild birds and the natural environment, please follow these rules:

・Stay on designated trails.
・Do not trample vegetation.
・Do not feed wildlife.
・Keep a respectful distance from birds.
・Do not enter private or restricted areas without permission.

Following these rules is the first step toward protecting the rich nature of the Notsuke Peninsula.

Main bird watching spots

Observation Guidelines

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