A is for Animal. May 29 2011, 2:47pm via thespudgun.com

Most people come to Niseko in Winter, to ski or snowboard the incredibly dry, deep, powder snow, of which there is an annual average snowfall of around 16 meters, I too was one of those people. I came here for a few seasons, then ended up living here year round, long term. Now even though I still enjoy the mountain and Winter in Niseko, I am also very glad when the snow starts to melt. It’s a time when all the buds on the trees start to awaken, and the animals, especially birds, start to re-appear and busy themselves for Spring.

At this time of year a stroll around Asahigaoka　(Forest trail behind the ski hill in Kutchan), Hangetsuko reveals lots of birds, although you might have to sit still and look long to get an appreciation for how many species there are, I was happy to spot many species that I reconised from the hedgerows of farmers fields I used to frequent as a child living in England. Birds like, Woodpeckers (lesser, greater spotted, black, and pygmy), Great, Coal, Willow, long tailed Tits (yes they are birds.) Nuthatches, Treecreepers, Jays, Warblers, Owls & many more…

There are also Foxes, squirrels, chipmunks and many more animal species, Unfortunately i haven’t had a chance to snap all of them yet, but i’m working on it.
I’ve compiled some bird & animal shots here (mostly taken recently in Spring – but also a few from Summer and Winter from my animal archives) and a few nature/landscape shots for your enjoyment.