storks

Oriental storks are gathering in harvested rice paddies in Toyoka, Hyogo Prefecture, foraging for food in a scene now seen as an autumn tradition. Local reports say the wild population, once extinct in Japan, has recovered to over 700 birds, with the Toyoka park projecting it could exceed 1,000 within two years. Around 50 storks were also seen feeding at a drained pond in Kobe's Nishi ward.