Departure of Swans

There are two “swan lakes” in Azumino. 500 to 2000 swans come from places in the north, like Siberia in October through December and stay in Azumino for the winter. The number of swans that winter in Azumino depends on the year (this year there were about 500).
Starting last month, February, and ending in April, the swans are to fly north. This year, the swans started departing earlier than ordinary years because of the warm winter.
In Azumino, we can see many other birds that migrate,like wild ducks.
I hope they reach Siberia safely, bear their babies, and come back to Nagano with their kinds next autumn!

March 6, 2009 Season