Hokkaido Photo Tours - Snow Ballerinas the Red-Crowned Cranes

Red-crowned cranes appeal to our JDS’s veteran photo workshop guide for so many reasons.  When he gears up for his annual pilgrimage to Hokkaido’s winter wonderland, he counts himself lucky to see the Red-crowned cranes and other wildlife in Hokkaido.  For over 20 years, he has photographed Ezo Red Foxes, The Steller’s Sea Eagle, Sika Deer, Whooper Swans, and the White-tailed Eagle among others.  The land, sea, and air of Hokkaido is rich with wildlife, and the natural landscapes that the winter conditions create make landscape photography another amazing once in a lifetime experience while joining a JDS Hokkaido Winter Photography Workshop.

Red-crowned Cranes are critically endangered and 2020 will mark a half century of the cranes being on the endangered species list.  Several steps have been taken internationally to replenish their populations; however, the Red-crowned Cranes’ populations have suffered due to the reduction of wetlands.  The population is said to be less than 3,000 birds worldwide, but over 1/3 of the entire Red-crowned Crane population is native to Hokkaido.  The beautiful landscapes and preserved nature make Hokkaido an excellent habitat for the cranes, and their presence allows visiting photographers a photo op with one of the world’s rarest and majestic birds.

The Red-crowned Cranes are also considered symbols of fidelity which undoubtedly comes from their long-pair bonding.  Their dancing rituals are where the appellation ‘snow ballerina’ comes from, and when you see two Red-crowned Cranes begin their courtship dance.  The choreography of the dance and the unison of the pair’s movements echoes the cranes’ growing devotion to each other as they raise their heads simultaneously and let out a fluting call as a testimony to their shared devotion.  The call is so moving and the dance so inviting, that on some occasions, the dance will inspire other crane couples to begin their own duet.  The dance is awe-inspiring, and their movements will create gallery worthy photos for you when you join the Hokkaido Winter Photography Workshop.

Whether they are feeding in the marshlands or rice patties, or poised to take flight, the Red-crowned Crane is an amazing sight to behold.  Allow a JDS Hokkaido Winter Photography Workshop Leader to take you to the best regions of Japan’s North Island to capture unforgettable photos.