#natorephotography

[hidemoriyazaki]

During an insect survey on the coast, I was utterly astonished to discover a whale, about 2 metres long, stranded at the water’s edge. I immediately contacted the local government and a whale expert, and was informed it was a Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus). It is said that the Japanese name "Flower" derives from the white marks on its body, which were caused by other individuals or squid. Although it looked quite weak and in a serious condition, the sheer power of its movements—flapping its fins and spouting water from time to time—was truly magnificent. Since an expert would be managing the situation, I left the place. However, I couldn’t tell whether it was the sound of breathing or a cry, but the low ‘boo’ sound the whale made kept echoing in my head long afterwards.

海岸で昆虫調査中、波打ち際に体長2mほどの生きたクジラが横たわっているのを見つけて仰天。 すぐに自治体と専門家の方に連絡すると、ハナゴンドウと教えて頂く。和名の「ハナ」は、他個体やイカなどにつけられてできる体の白い傷が由来とのこと。 かなり弱っていたけれど、ヒレをばたつかせたり、潮を吹いたりする動きの力強さは、やはりクジラのすごい迫力。 専門家の方にご対応頂けるということで、私はその場を離れたものの、呼吸の音なのか、鳴き声なのか、クジラの発する「ボオッ」という低い音が、その後もずっと頭から離れずにいる。

Shizuoka Pref. 静岡県 2026-05-25

[hidemoriyazaki]

Each morning, the Japanese squirrel, Sciurus lis, visits the garden in Karuizawa. Emerging from the woods in the dim light, it dashes dynamically along the branches of the fir tree avenue, leaping from one to the next in one swift burst. Finally, it vanishes into the neighbouring garden. Shortly after the squirrel's grand gymnastics display concludes, sunlight begins to filter through, and a great flock of Rustic Bunting arrives, marking the start of the day.

毎朝、軽井沢の庭にやってくるニホンリス。 ほの暗い頃、林から現れ、モミの枝の間をダイナミックに飛び移りながら一気に駆け抜けて、お隣の庭へ消えていく。 リスの大運動会が終わってしばらくすると、陽光がさし、カシラダカの大群がやってきて、一日が始まる。

Nagano Pref. 長野県 2026-02-01

[hidemoriyazaki]

Glaze morning last week. The temperature did not rise very much after that, and the days of the mystical world continued for some days.

先週の雨氷の朝 その後もなかなか気温が上がらず、神秘的な世界に包まれた日々がしばらく続いた。

Nagano Pref. 長野県 2024-02-22

[hidemoriyazaki]

Today, Karuizawa is covered with "Glaze". This is a rare phenomenon in which supercooled rain freezes on trees and other objects. Every branch is covered with hard, clear ice like the antlers of a young deer. Trains stopped, car doors froze, and the harshness of a cold country was felt, but still, the beautiful world that appeared overnight took my breath away.

今日の軽井沢は一面の「雨氷」 過冷却状態の雨が、木などに付着し凍結する珍しい現象とのこと。あらゆる枝が若い鹿角のように透明な氷で覆われている。 電車は止まるし、車のドアも凍りつくし、寒国の厳しさを実感しつつ、それでも一夜で出現した美しい世界に息を呑む、そんな一日。

Nagano Pref. 長野県　2024-02-22

[hidemoriyazaki]

Mt. Asama at dusk Despite vivid memories of sweltering heat, the morning 'chill' has already started to drop below 10°C. The lively call of jays often echoes in the area.

夕暮れの浅間山 うだる暑さの記憶も鮮やかなのに、朝の「冷え込み」は早くも10℃を下回りはじめた。辺りではカケスのにぎやかな声がよく響く。

Nagano Pref. 長野県 2023/9/25