05.21.2026 Blakiston’s Fish Owl, Rausu, Hokkaidō, Japan

 

This story is long in coming. I was on the northern island of Hokkaidō, Japan a couple of
years ago. I had wanted to write about the trip as it was excellent but time got away from me. And I could not find the pictures of this incredible owl – the largest in the world. Without my owl pictures, my heart was just not ready to tell the story.

But one day I was sorting through some older pictures, looking for special one of my precious Fionnegan and I found a folder with the Blakiston’s Fish Owl. He is as gorgeous as I remember!

We waited for hours at night, patiently waiting for him to come close to the lodge for fish. As advertised, he comes every night and my night there was no exception. What a special experience.

 Photographs were taken through a glass window - no flash allowed for obvious reasons. This owl stayed fishing near the window for a good 10 - 15 minutes. And he is indeed huge!

 

He is a handsome bird. I could have watched him all night. As a matter of fact, I stayed up most of the night then waiting so see if he would come back for a second visit. The locals said he does that sometime. He didn't. And getting up at the crack of dawn was not met with a sighting. I was thrilled to see him and pleased with the one viewing!

Here he is with a fish! He quickly swallowed them. Wasted no time holding still for photographs.

Simply gorgeous.

Just look at those talons!

I would go back in a heartbeat and sit up all night again to see this one.

The birding trip to Japan was wonderful, and we saw many birds, including the red-crowned crane, which was motivator for traveling to Hokkaido. Only got to see them from quite the distance or flying.

The fish owl was the special treat!

Until next time.........................