Kyoto imperial palace is a popular birdwatching spot, with over 30 avian species including residents and those that migrate from the continent in winter (November to February).

In March, winter birds leave the garden and fly to their nesting grounds. For our tour in March, we can use binoculars to observe mostly the winter birds before their migration, including the Dusky thrush, Pale thrush, Scaly Thrush, Daurian Redstart, and the Olive-backed Pipit, Brambling, Hawfinch that forage on the ground of the pine forest.

Japanese white-eyes are also present, in which their calls are a sign that spring is here. You can feel the changing of the Japanese seasons in this tour.

We will have a short lecture on how to use the binoculars and field guide, and how to actually find the birds, so beginners are welcome! English guidance is available.