Although I’ve posted some images and subjects from Sakata before I haven’t mentioned what an important birding place it is for Niigata. It was the tenth designated wetland site in Japan for the Ramsar Convention. Click here for more about the Ramsar convention.
It has a wonderful glass-fronted observatory equipped with scopes and literature and heating. It is a very worthwhile place for any birder to visit.
When I first went there, I was greeted by the staff (that are usually in the office) and they happily showed me the sights. I remember being seated to watch some incredible video of a White-tailed Eagle hovering like a big kestrel in pursuit of a duck on the water, (maybe a merganser). The duck dived under water to escape but the eagle plunged in deeply, then, swam to the shore like a dog with the duck in foot. They have a large automated digital scope that can be controlled at the observatory (By anyone game to take the controls) and the extraordinary close-up footage was taken with it. That was my first visit back in 2004.
The site consists of a freshwater lake with a path encircling it. I recommend anyone to go for a stroll with scope and/or camera. Sometimes we walk past groups with scopes or individuals with tripods and cameras or visa-versa.
I’ve posted about it here as “Sakata” (Sa-ka-ta), because all their literature, as well as city and Ramsar websites spell it as Sakata. Even the Japanese writing at the actual place uses the sounds, Sa-ka-ta, but some local Niigata folk, including birders often pronoun the name “Sagata” with a “ga”, and I’m often corrected when I pronounce it, “Sakata”.
Thanks for sharing your photos of this place, Russell, it looks fabulous indeed!When we manage to get to Asia, I will certainly be kooking forward to visiting it, with the hope of good pic opportunities!You certainly managed to bring out superbly the ambiance in the cold and the low light add some mystery!Cheers, keep well!
Your landscape photos are quite beautiful Russell. And then you hit me with a Lotti and a Grey Heron in such an exotic and tranquil looking place. the shot with the bike made me smile – nicely spotted.
Maybe one day I'll make it to Japan. I'm afraid I'll run out of time, money and health before I make it to everywhere I'd like to visit. This location seems quite wonderful. Thanks Russell.
I'd agree with Phil about the landscape photos. If we ever go back to Japan, I'll try to persuade my non-birder husband that Sakata would be a great place to visit! (I just have to ask, did the biscuits come from there???)
Looks like a great place, even if freezing in winter.Your "Yellow Bittern" is this really Ixobrychus sinensis, which is called "Yellow Bittern" around here ? Yours looks like Eurasian Bittern, I think
Thanks for the great observation, John. I first carefully checked my guides and thought Eurasian Bittern but shunned away from calling it as they are 'rare' in Japan. I thought my Yellow Bittern call was dodgy but more realistic as its just classified as 'uncommon'. I would like to add that "Eurasian Bittern" is a new bird for me. I will amend the post.
Hello Russell…I read your comment you left at Phil's birding blog, and you mentioned that you are an avid birder also, so had to come over and view your blog on birding!!! I am totally impressed with such a great variety of birds, and the peaceful setting where you get out to find and photograph the birds in your part of the world!!!Enjoyed meeting you. And, hope to remember to stop by and visit again soon.
Russell Jenkins Stoop Files 
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