Siberian Migrant 'Whooper Swans' Grace Lake Biwa

Feb 12, 2024 | News On Japan

Shiga, Feb 12, 2024 (News On Japan) - Lake Biwa, in Shiga Prefecture, has become the majestic backdrop for the arrival of whooper swans, often referred to as "messengers of winter."

Since mid-January, whooper swans have been arriving in the rice fields of Takashima City, each about 140 cm in length. Occasionally, they spread their pristine white wings, showcasing their grace to the admiration of onlookers.

Whooper swans, also known as the common swan, are migratory birds that travel about 4,000 kilometers from Siberia to Japan each year during this period. According to the Lake Biwa Wild Bird Center, about 670 whooper swans have been spotted at Lake Biwa this season.

These whooper swans are expected to return to Siberia by late February, marking the end of their temporary stay in the serene waters and fields surrounding Japan's largest freshwater lake.

Source: YOMIURI

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