Swans Return to Noto Region Lagoon in Ishikawa Pref. Despite January Earthquake

The Yomiuri Shimbun

15:56 JST, November 12, 2024

HAKUI, Ishikawa — Many swans have flown from Siberia to the Ochigata lagoon in Hakui, Ishikawa Prefecture, to spend winter there.

Hakui is one of the cities badly hit by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in January.

According to local bird lover Masato Kawaguchi, 70, six swans flew to the lagoon on Oct. 10, and their number has increased to about 800.

About 1,200 swans gather at the lagoon in an average year. When the quake struck in January, the swans flew away all at once and many of them did not return. Therefore, there was concern whether they would come back this autumn.

“I was worried about whether or not they would come, but I’m relieved now,” Kawaguchi said.

After spending wintertime at the lagoon, the swans are expected to return to the north around mid-February next year.