There are two major spots for swan observation in Otawara City, Tochigi Prefecture. They are “Handa Swamp” and “Biwa Pond”. Both are recommended spots where you can observe swans. This time, we will introduce in detail about swan watching at Tochigi Prefecture’s two major swan observation spots, Hadanuma and Biwa Pond.
①What is Handa Swamp?
Handa Swamp is a swamp located in Otawara City, Tochigi Prefecture. Currently, Handa Swamp is famous as a visiting place for swans.
❶What kind of place is Handa Swamp?
Handa Swamp is a swamp located approximately 9 km northeast of Otawara City Hall in Tochigi Prefecture. It is located on the west side of Handa Elementary School. It is 300m long and 100m wide, and has a beautiful rectangular shape when viewed from the air. The area is 4.7ha, which is about the size of one Tokyo Dome. The water source is spring water, and it was built as an agricultural reservoir in the late Edo period.
❷Why did Handa Swamp become a place for swans to fly?
The reason why Handa Marsh became a place for swans to visit is because the swans that had come to the nearby Biwa Pond began to stop by Handa Marsh because there was food there. Originally, Biwa Pond near Handa Marsh was the only wintering ground for swans in Tochigi Prefecture. However, because there was a large amount of aquatic plants, which are the staple food of swans, in Hadanuma, and because humans fed them, they started coming to the swans every year. It is said that swans began flying to Handa Swamp around 1970.
❸When is the best time to see swans at Handa Swamp?
ReadyThe best time to see swans in the swamp is from the end of October to the following March every year. The main types of swans are Tundra Swans and Whooper Swans. Approximately 100 birds come to visit each year. When the swans are not there, they feed in the nearby rice fields, so you may be able to see them there.
❹Can we observe swans at Handa Swamp?
You can observe swans at Handa Swamp. The reason is that Hadanuma is only the size of one Tokyo Dome and only 100m wide, so it can be seen from the shore with the naked eye. However, the number of direct arrivals is currently decreasing. The reason is that the water was contaminated with swan food and droppings.
❺Feeding wild birds has been completely banned since 2010
Due to water pollution, feeding of wild birds in Handa Swamp has been completely prohibited since 2010. Therefore, please never feed the swans.
➁What is Biwa pond?
Biwaike is a pond located in Fujisawa, Otawara City, Tochigi Prefecture. Originally, it was the only wintering ground for swans in Tochigi Prefecture.
❶History of Biwa Pond
Originally, Biwa Pond was not a pond but a wetland. In the 2nd year of the Bunkyu era of the Edo period, construction work began for the first time to build an embankment for pumping water. It took 10 years to complete. Also, in the Showa era, in 1955 water began to be drawn from the Hoki River to supply water to the rice fields, and the pond became the irrigation pond it is today.
❷Can we observe swans at Biwa Pond?
You can observe swans at Biwa Pond. However, currently the number of swans flying has decreased considerably, so it may not be possible to observe them. I couldn’t observe it when I visited. If there are no swans here, try going to Handa Swamp or the rice fields where they are feeding.
➂Access information to Handa Swamp.
Here we haveReadyWe will introduce detailed information about access to the swamp.ReadyThe address of the swamp is “Otawara City, Tochigi Prefecture.”Ready”is.
❶From Otawara City HallReadyRoute to the swamp by car
Otawara City Hall Main Building (1-4-1 Honmachi, Otawara City, Tochigi Prefecture) ⇒ Kita Odori Street ⇒ReadySwamp
The total travel distance is approximately 9.2 km, and the travel time is approximately 15 minutes.
Summary.
This time, we will introduce two major swan observation spots in Tochigi Prefecture.ReadyWe introduced swan watching at Biwa Pond. Located in Tochigi PrefectureReadyThe marsh and Biwa Pond are good spots for observing swans. However, when there are no swans, there are ducks, so enjoy duck watching. When you visit Tochigi Prefecture, be sure to visitReadyWe recommend stopping by the swamp and Biwa Pond.
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