Andrea and David B. Collinge's trip to Japan, July 2011

Full Birdlist - Yatsu Higata - Kushiro Wetlands - Nemuru - Gallery

Kawayu Onsen is in the Akan National Park, and comprises several volacanoes of which one belches sulphurous steam through many fistures. We arrived by train from Kushiro, and took the local bus to the spa (onsen) village where there are some 20 hot springs. Bikes hired we explored the area of two days. We started by cycling to the volcano first through woodland, then open pine and rhododendron heath (Labrador tea). This habitat was rich in olive-backed pipits and both species of bunting. We then cycled the other way out of town through rich and varied forest to the Kussharo lake, but didn't really find the lakes side. Having decided to take Mark Brazil's early morning walk, we decided that we needed to work out where it started, so we cycled back through town and duly found it (see diary accounts for day 9 and 10). This yielded a lot of frustration with a number of thrushes and chats singing. I hope to sort out the recordings later. We did see a fine Bullfinch and I acquired a tick.

The early morning walk (3 to 6 am) give much the same bird song plus three species of woodpecker and Green Pigeons. And a mystery bird here (the wazoo whistle, not the obvious birdsong) which does not match anything from my Andreas Schultze's recordings. We also saw deer, and a squirrel, but no signs of bears. The trail is a lot better on the north side of the saddle and even signposted, suggesting that there would be easier access from the lake shore. We did not pursue this possibility.

note the rhododendron scrub to Andrea's thighs.

After a siesta we set off for Lake Mashu which was tough on our hire bikes and we received many encouraging remarks when we finally made it to the top. Highlights were an Oriental Cuckoo, several Bush Warblers and two osprey, as well as several beautiful butterflies. Low points were various biting insects and the heat.