Raised to health, a Spot Billed Duck and her chicks at the springs of Imaizumi Park/Hadano

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1305120023/

May 13, 2013

A mother and her ducklings swim energetically.

At the springs of Imaizumi Park of Imaizumi, Hadano City, visitors were calmed by the sight of a Spot-Billed Duck family skillfully taking to the water, bathed in the early summer rays of light.

At the springs, the mother duck was seen accompanied with 10 chicks, following behind in 2 rows. The scene of the chicks skillfully swimming resembled a parenting school. As a Common Kingfisher bird revealed itself, the parent ducks appeared to be watching over the area with caution while assisting the chicks.

Nearby residents and families stopped in their tracks at the heart-warming scene. "Grow up healthy," they wished to the ducklings.

Original text:

元気に育って、今泉名水桜公園の湧水池にカルガモ親子／秦野

2013年5月13日

気持ちよさそうに泳ぐカルガモの親子

秦野市今泉の今泉名水桜公園の湧水池で、初夏の日差しを浴びて気持ちよさそうに泳ぐカルガモの親子が来園者を和ませている。

湧水池ではカルガモの親２組がひなを１０羽ずつ連れている姿が見られた。ひなたちが伸び伸びと泳ぐ光景はさながら「子育てサークル」のよう。カワセミも姿を見せ、周囲に警戒しながら見守る親ガモたちの育児を応援しているかのようだった。

近くの住民や親子連れが心温まる光景に足を止め、「元気に育って」と成長を願っていた。

A mere crow messes with a polar bear!

Translated from the original article at: http://karapaia.livedoor.biz/archives/52118228.html

February 16, 2013

At Ueno Zoo, a single crow approaches a polar bear. Wishing to play with the bear for reasons no one can understand, the crow begins to absent-mindedly annoy it with its beak.

To the bear, a crow pecking at it is merely like being bitten by an insect. At first, the bear doesn't seem to be bothered at all. But after enough of the crow's obstinate, ill-tempered attacks, the bear finally begins to deal with him.

Even though the polar bear is now paying attention, it seems the crow will not leave. Could it be that they've become friends? Is what the crow did to the polar bear his method of befriending animals at the zoo?

Original text:

シロクマにちょっかいだせるのはカラスだけ！

2013年02月16日

上野動物園にいるホッキョクグマ（シロクマ）に近づいてきたのは一羽のカラス。遊んでほしかったのかどうかはわからないままに、ツンツクツンとそのクチバシでシロクマにちょっかいをだしている。

シロクマにとっては虫に刺された程度なのだろう。最初はまったく気が付かなかったようだが、あまりにも執拗なツンツク攻撃にやっと気が付く。

シロクマに気が付かれても、その場から立ち去ろうとしないカラス。やっぱり友だちになりたかったのかな？シロクマを仲間にしたら動物園を制したようなもんだもんなー？

In a fateful encounter, a dying sparrow is discovered by a dog. Now living together, the dog watches over the sparrow like a mother. (Chiba Prefecture)

Translated from the original article at: http://karapaia.livedoor.biz/archives/52117938.html

February 14, 2013

A dog and a bird met 5 years ago. During a walk, Momo (female, 5 years old at the time) suddenly became agitated, barking and running around the area. Momo's owner, Mr. Yamashita, took a look around and found a weakened sparrow that was unable to fly.

Mr. Yamashita returned home with the sparrow, who Momo seemed eager to take care of. The bird was able to recover, but was still unable to fly. Not able to return to the wild, it was registered with Chiba Prefecture's Volunteer Wildlife Protection Group and scheduled to be taken in.

From the beginning, Momo presented no danger to the sparrow. On the contrary, she seemed concerned with it's welfare. Mr. Yamashita hesitated on transferring it to the center. Momo's feelings towards the sparrow deepened, always transfixed and licking at it. Seeming to be completely endeared by the sparrow, Momo never leaves it's side.

5 years have passed since then. Now, Momo is 9 years old. The sparrow is estimated to be 5, greatly exceeding the 1-3 year lifespan of wild sparrows.  Compared to humans, both the dog and sparrow have reached an advanced age. But even today, they're said to still be spending their lives together in great health. Mr. Yamashita wishes they can continue to live as full of energy as they are now.


Original text:
運命の出会い、瀕死のスズメを発見し母のように見守りながら共に生きる犬（千葉県）
2013年02月14日

1匹と1羽が出会ったのは5年前。散歩中のモモさん（メス、当時5歳）が突然走りだしある場所でワンワン吠えはじめた。飼い主の山下さんがついていって確認してみると、そこには弱って飛べなくなっている1羽のスズメが。

モモさんを手当しようと家に連れて帰ってきた山下さん。治療したものの飛べるようにならなかった為、千葉県の鳥獣保護ボランティア団体に登録し、このスズメを保護することに。

当初はモモさんがスズメに危害を加えないかと心配していたそうなのだが、ところがどっこい。モモさんはスズメを愛情深いまなざしで見つめ、ペロペロと体を舐める。スズメの方もモモさんにすっかり懐いているようで、モモさんの側を離れない。

それから5年。今ではモモさんも8歳、スズメの方も推定5歳と、スズメの野生の寿命（1～3年）を大きく上回り、今日も元気に一緒に暮らしているという。人間だと1匹と1羽は高齢にあたる。飼い主の山下さんも、このままずっと元気で生きていてくれたらと願うばかりだ。

Some rare animals are born. Black-faced Spoonbills, to be shown publically in the fall/Yokohama

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1206190033/

June 19, 2012

Two recently born Black-faced Spoonbills.

Two Black-faced Spoonbills have been born at the Nogeyama Zoo of Oimatsucho, Nishi Ward, Yokohama City. On the 19th, the press was invited for a look. According to the zoo, this was the first successful reproduction within Kanagawa prefecture. In the fall, the birds will be available for public viewing.

Together with the Crested Ibis, the Black-faced Spoonbill has been appointed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as an endangered species. It's said that only 2,000 exist in the world. Breeding in Korean Peninsula and South-East Asia, they migrate over to the Kyushu region of Japan for the winter. Unique for its spatula shaped beak, fully grown adults reach 77 centimeters (30.3 inches) and a weight of 1 to 1.5 kilograms (2.2 to 3.3 pounds)

The birds were born separately on May 11 and 13th. Born weighing 45 grams and 5 centimeters (2 inches) long, they've been growing at a satisfactory rate, now each at 40 centimeters (16 inches) and 1.2 kilograms (2.6 pounds). Their sex unknown, DNA testing currently underway will make the distinction. Their names have yet to be decided.

Nogeyama's zookeeper, Hiroshi Kikuchi (47) commented: "We wish to raise future generations of rare animals on a grand scale."

Original text:

希少種赤ちゃん誕生、クロツラヘラサギが秋公開へ/横浜

2012年6月19日

誕生した２羽のクロツラヘラサギ

横浜市立野毛山動物園（西区老松町）で２羽のクロツラヘラサギが誕生し、報道陣に19日、公開された。同園によると、繁殖の成功は県内初という。秋ごろに一般公開される。

クロツラヘラサギは、国際自然保護連合のレッドリストで絶滅危惧種に指定されているトキの仲間。世界で約２千羽という。朝鮮半島で繁殖し、東南アジアや、日本では九州などで越冬。ヘラ状のくちばしが特徴的で、成長すると体長77センチ、体重１～１・５キログラムになる。

２羽は５月11、13日にそれぞれ誕生。体長約５センチ、体重約45グラムだったが、体長約40センチ、体重約１・２キログラムまで順調に成長している。性別は不明で、ＤＮＡ鑑定を行い、判別する。名前はまだ決まっていない。

野毛山動物園飼育展示係の菊池博さん（47）は「希少な種が次の世代につながるよう大きく育ってほしい」と話していた。

A family of spot-billed ducks, tottling together towards Sandanike Lake

Translated from the original article at: http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20120612-00000302-rtn-l26

Sent out on June 12, 5:43PM by the Ryoutan Daily Shinbum

Aiming for the lake, a family of spot billed ducks cross a roadway (Photo taken by zoo director Toshikuni Nihonmatsu)

On the 11th, in Sandanike Zoo (Japanese site) of Izaki, Fukuchiyama City, a family of wild ducks were spotted crossing a road by zoo director Toshikuni Nihonmatsu (67). The figures of chicks tottering behind came into view, continuing after the mother. Park visitors yelled out "Cute!" as they squinted their eyes for a better view.

The family was spotted around 2:00PM on the 11th. From the space between a small storeroom behind the park's office, one adult and 10 chicks were observed. After going past the office, they crossed the road in front of the zoo.

Though cars were travelling the road, driver's stopped, offering the right of way to the family of ducks. The ducks continued on their path toward Sandan Lake, arriving safely.

Zoo Director Nihonmatsu commented "A nest was created on the side of the storeroom, and we expected the eggs to hatch. We were quite agitated while they were crossing the road, though it also was really cute. Perhaps we'll be able to see them swimming in the lake."
 　

Original text:
カルガモ親子ヨチヨチ 三段池へそろって移動
両丹日日新聞 6月12日(火)17時43分配信

池を目指し、道路を歩くカルガモ親子（二本松園長撮影）

福知山市猪崎、三段池公園内にある市動物園で１１日、野生のカルガモの親子が歩いているのを、二本松俊邦園長（６７）が見つけた。親鳥に続いてヨチヨチと歩く雛（ひな）の姿に、来園者たちも「かわいい」と目を細めた。

親子が現れたのは１１日午後２時ごろ。園の事務所裏にある物置小屋の隙間から親鳥１羽と雛１０羽が姿を見せ、事務所横を通り過ぎ、園前の道路を横切っていった。

道路では自動車が通りがかったが、ドライバーが止まってカルガモ親子の“行進”に道を譲った。親子はそのまま三段池へと続く道を歩き、無事に池へたどりついた。

二本松園長は「物置小屋のそばに巣を作り、卵をかえしたのだと思われます。わたしたちに気付いても動じず、本当にかわいかった。池で泳ぐ姿が見ることが出来るかもしれません」と話していた。

Fixing up a "vacant house," birds take up residence inside a hornet nest.

Translated from the original article at: http://www.ryoutan.co.jp/news/2012/04/21/005068.html

April 21, 2012

Upper photo: The hornet's nest, used by Brown-eared Bulbuls (Photo taken on the 20th)

At the Oni Soba Restaurant of Ooeyama Mountain in Kumohara, Fukuchiyama City (Managed by Aresa Kazuhiro), a nest of the Asian giant hornet was built in the eaves of the main building's second floor. Though the hornets have been gone for a while, the 40 centimeter in diameter nest was left to remain as it was, for good luck. Unexpectedly, it became home to some new residents. Brown-eared Bulbuls have reconstructed the nest into their new home.

The hornet's nest was set up near a beacon light on the store's wall, next door to an electric wiring factory. On the 18th, a factory worker on top of the roof stared motionlessly at the nest, seeing that chicks were inside its hole.

　

The hornet nest is located in the eaves of the second store, the area in front of it (usually) being concealed. It was able to endure rain and wind, without the presence of people. When it comes to business of raising a bird family, it appeared to be a good property,

Lower photo: Chicks at the open entrance, in their new hornet nest home. (Taken on the 18th, provided by Mr. Aseda)

Using an open hole as an entrance into the nest, straw was spread all over the inside. The birds made a good second use of it.

Mr. Aresa commented "Watching the parent birds moving around the nest, it seemed to stir up some worry in me.　That being said, I'm not too concerned. The hornet nest has been there for a long time...however, I never imagined it becoming a bird's nest..."

　

Gazing inside the bird's home, it seems that the chicks have safely left the nest. On the 20th, the bulbul chicks were seen practicing their flying in front of the store. Looking towards a bird, Aresa said with a smile "I wonder if that is one of the children who left..."

Original text:

“空き家”をリフォーム　ハチの巣に鳥が住む

2012年4月21日

福知山市雲原、大江山鬼そば屋（荒砂和浩さん経営）の母屋２階軒下に、直径４０センチほどの大きなスズメバチの巣がある。ハチがいなくなって久しく、縁起ものとしてそのまま置いていたが、ひょんなことで新しい住人がいることが分かった。ヒヨドリがハチの巣をリフォームして新居を構えていた。

ハチの巣近くの壁に店のパトライトを設置する電気配線工事の最中に分かった。１８日に屋根に上った工事業者が目を凝らすと、ハチの巣の中でヒナたちが口を開けていたという。

ハチの巣がある場所は、２階の開かずの間の前にある軒下。人の気配がなく、雨風もしのげるとあって、子育てする親鳥にとって「良い物件」だったようだ。

　

入り口用に穴を開けて、中にはワラを敷き詰めてうまく再利用している。

一家に見守られ、ヒナたちは無事巣立ったよう。２０日に店の前で飛ぶ練習をしているヒヨドリを見て「あの鳥は巣立った子かな」と荒砂さんは笑みを向けた。

写真上＝ヒヨドリが巣に使ったスズメバチの巣（２０日撮影）

写真下＝ハチの巣の新居で口を開けるヒナ（１８日撮影、荒砂さん提供）

Black Headed Gulls wait for spring, as the winter passes in the Miura Peninsula/Kanagawa

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1202130014/

February 13, 2012

Caption: Scores of black headed gulls, suddenly take off, dancing in the air.

The gulls are looking forward to spring. In the harbor area of Nagasawa, Yokosuka city, groups of black headed gulls wait for the passing of winter. Over the levy, they're seen congregating together to rest their wings, silently floating on the waves. When a ship comes near, dozens of them take off in an instant, providing a mid-air dance scene for children and spectators.

A member of the gull family, black headed gulls are migratory birds, about 40 inches in length. Their heads are white, with black spots behind the eyes. According to The Wild Bird Society of Japan Kanagawa Branch (Japanese site), they arrive in the area around November, and pass the time until leaving around the enf of April. At this time, other migrating birds such as the Japanese Cormorant, European Herring Gull and Slaty Backed Gull can be spotted at the Miura Peninsula.

(Translation note: I was confused by the article describing the black headed gull as having a white head. I did some reading and found that while usually having a white head, they're known for their dark plumage during the summer.)


Original text:
春待つユリカモメ、三浦半島で越冬中/神奈川
2012年2月13日

ユリカモメ数十羽が一斉に飛び立ち、上空を乱舞

春、待ち遠しい―。横須賀市長沢周辺の浜辺や港で、ユリカモメの群れが越冬している。堤防の上で身を寄せ合って羽を休めたり、静かな波間にぷかぷか浮いたりしている。船が近くを通ると数十羽が一斉に飛び立ち、上空を乱舞する様子も観察できる。

 　ユリカモメはカモメ科の渡り鳥で体長約40センチ。頭部が白く、目の後ろに黒い斑点がある。日本野鳥の会神奈川支部によると、11月ごろから飛来し、４月下旬ごろまで過ごす。この時期、三浦半島ではウミウやセグロカモメ、オオセグロカモメなどの渡り鳥が見られるという。