白樺峠へタカの渡りを見に行こう｜のりくら観光協会公式サイト

Every autumn, migratory birds leave for the warm tropics to prepare for the cold winter. Straddling the Norikura Plateau and the Kanagawa RiverShirakaba PassHa,A sanctuary for birdwatchersIt is said to be the famous "bird lover'shawk moth (any moth of family Cercopithecidae)This is one of the best places in Japan to see hawks. At its peak, as many as 3,000 hawks can be seen in a single day. Why not bring a snack and a packed lunch and go out in a relaxed atmosphere to watch the hawk migration?

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Let's go to Shirakaba Pass to see hawk migration

❶ Shirakaba Pass where hawks can be seen flying with the naked eye

Every year, the hawk migration begins around mid-September. It takes about 15 minutes to get there on foot from the entrance to the Shirakaba Pass.Takami's SquareYou can observe the birds in the "Birds of Prey" area. During the season, many birdwatchers visit the area,Shinshu Eagle Hawk Migration Research Groupare continuing their daily surveys counting the number of hawks passing by, by species.

When the migration season arrives, the first thing that starts flying isgray-faced buzzardやpernAt its peak, the number of birds can exceed 1,000 a day. At its peak, the number of birds can exceed 1,000 a day.common buzzard (Buteo buteo)やJapanese sparrowhawk (Accipiter gularis)and more, and others.Osprey, civets and falconsYou can see as many as 15,000 hawks in flight throughout the season, which lasts until early November. Although you can see them with the naked eye, you can get a more detailed view of them if you bring binoculars. It is also a spectacular sight to see birdwatchers chasing the hawks all at once with telephoto lenses.

❷ Hawk pillars that can be seen if you are lucky

Although Shirakaba Pass is a sacred place for birdwatching, hawks cannot be seen at all times during the season. Hawks do not fly on rainy days, though,Fly away at once in the clearingThere are also times when Also.After several days of rainand theThe next day, a fine dayThe time of day tends to peak around noon, but this is nature at its best. The peak time is said to be around noon, but this is nature at its best. Please plan your trip accordingly.

Hawks capture the rising air currents generated by sunlight heating the earth's surface,It goes up into the sky, circling.. When there are many of these hawks at the same time, the circling hawks can look like pillars. This is what is known as "tall pillar set on a beam to support a ridgepoleThe first thing that happens is that the plane goes up to a certain height and then flies smoothly in a certain direction. Then, when they reach a certain height, they fly smoothly and fluidly in a certain direction. The spectacle of their leisurely flight is so beautiful and spectacular that you will want to see it again and again! You will want to see it again and again. As they continue their journey across the ocean, they seem to use as little energy as possible, circling and circling and circling and circling and circling again and again. When the hawks gradually appear in flocks of one or two, the entire plaza erupts with cheers and the sound of shutters. This sense of togetherness is one of the joys of watching hawks on their migration.

❸ Things to keep in mind when enjoying hawk migration

Shirakaba Pass, at an altitude of 1600m, is cold in the mornings and evenings.arctic clothesis required. When the weather is fine, temperatures rise during the daytime, so adjustable clothing is preferable. Also, there are no convenience stores or other stores nearby,Snacks, lunches and drinks in advance.We recommend that you bring more. There are benches at the observation site, but they are limited,Simple chairs or leisure seatsIt is convenient to have a Restrooms are located in the parking lot and by Takami's Square (fee required). They are maintained by volunteers, so be thankful and use them neatly.

In addition, please observe the following precautions at the observation sites, and enjoy yourself with good manners.

Gathering of wild vegetables, mushrooms, etc. is prohibited.

This is not a place for camping or barbecue, so fire is strictly prohibited.

Take your trash with you.

No pets or other animals are allowed (dogs may bark and hawks may not fly near the area).

Since this is a place used by many people, please observe with mutual respect so as not to disturb each other.

❹ Access to Shirakaba Pass

Shirakaba Pass is,Kamikochi Norikura Super Forest Road AThe road is located on the way to Shirakaba Pass from Norikura Kogen. This forest road from Norikura Kogen to Shirakaba Pass is a pleasant driving course with a very good view of Mt.About 15 minutes from the plateau interior.A short drive will bring you to the Shirakaba Pass parking lot (or a 15-minute drive if you are heading from NAGAWA). On weekends during peak season, the parking lot may be full of birdwatchers who are on standby from early in the morning.

The entrance to Takami-no-hiroba is located right next to the parking lot of Shirakaba Pass, and an easy walking trail is provided. After walking along the trail for about 15 minutes, you will arrive at Takami-no-hiroba. In the middle of the path, turn right and you will see theNorikuradake Viewing PlazaIf the weather is clear, you can enjoy the beautiful view of Mt. Bird watching is a nature activity. Since there is a lot of waiting time for observation, why don't you relax and have a picnic while having a snack, reading a book, or just chatting?

For more information on hawk migration, seeShinshu Eagle Hawk Migration Research GroupPlease visit the website of the "Mere Old Man". During the season, the number of daily observations and information on road closures on nearby roads are uploaded.

Access to Shirakaba Pass

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