道東 ２日目 霧多布 / Eastern Hokkaido Day 2 Kiritappu
Kiritappu (霧多布) to Bettoga (別当賀)
Since I didn’t have much time from my arrival the day before and didn’t find any sea otters, my goal this morning was to start with sea otters. I also want to photograph the landscape of the Cape, so I set out before dawn (thank goodness it’s only a few minutes drive though!).
After the sun came up, I noticed sea otters floating on the north side of the cape where the waves were calm. One was a little far away, but the other came out to a fairly close overlook. I failed to ask at the inn if they are not breeding this year?
When I returned to the inn after photographing the cape for a while, I found that a group of Asian Rosy Finch had just appeared.
Leaving the inn, I headed for Kiritappu marshland. It seemed that not many birds could be expected in the marshland at this time of year, but I held my ground.
Wooden paths for strolling and nature observation are set up here and there in the surrounding area. I stopped by Oku-Biwase Wild Bird Park, which is located relatively close to the mouth of the river.
From here, I left Kiritappu and headed toward Shibetsu (標津) Town and Rausu (羅臼) via the North Pacific Seaside Line on Prefectural Route 142.
A pair of White-tailed Eagles at Poroto-numa (幌戸沼). The male and female are only distinguishable by size, but the one on the right appears to be the female.
Although I did not have time to stop in Nemuro, I wanted to see the Fureshima Marsh in Bettoga (別当賀).
After about two kilometers, I came to an unspoiled marshland that stretched out in front of the beach. Unfortunately, there was not much sign of birds, but it had a special atmosphere.
But there are also scenery that feels strange to me.
Excited to see what kind of scenery I would see, I reached the end of the road, only to find that it was closed.
I understand that you want to protect the pristine nature. But I wonder what is this sense of discomfort.
I felt that buying up land for protection and then claiming ownership of the land is a human activity that is far removed from this “pristine nature.” I left the Fureshima marshland with a sense of ridiculousness in my heart.
Continued on Day 2 Rausu
