In the enchanting forests of Hokkaido, Japan’s second-largest island, there exists a captivating sight that draws tourists from far and wide. Here, amidst the serene beauty of nature, reside the delightful shima-enaga, often endearingly referred to as “snow fairies.” These tiny birds, resembling fluffy snowballs, have a charm that’s hard to resist. What makes them even more captivating is their gymnastic prowess, which a skilled photographer recently captured with astounding precision.
Hiroki Takahashi, a photographer now based in Sapporo, developed a deep fascination for these snow fairies. In December 2022, after a month-long quest in the forest, Hiroki managed to capture a stunning series of photographs featuring the long-tailed tit, the very essence of these elusive creatures. When asked about his experience, Hiroki enthused about the challenges of photographing these nimble birds. They may be small, but their speed and restlessness make them tricky subjects. Yet, their irresistibly cute, egg-shaped faces made every effort worthwhile.
To get the perfect shot, Hiroki embarked on a daily journey of over 20,000 steps, twisting and turning to capture these adorable birds from every angle. Armed with his trusty Canon EOS R5 camera and a 300mm lens, he ventured into the world of snow fairies. What he captured was nothing short of magical: these tiny birds, weighing only about one-fifth of an ounce and measuring 5 to 6 inches in adulthood, exhibited acrobatic skills that could rival any gymnast. They bounced along delicate branches, hung upside-down with ease, and even appeared to perform pull-ups on sturdy twigs.
These snow fairies, while known for their gymnastic feats, are also remarkable for their roles in their ecosystem. They are omnivores, with a diet mainly consisting of insects and other invertebrates. Their puffy, round appearance is most prominent in winter when they fluff their feathers to stay warm. Unlike their long-tailed tit relatives, adult shima-enaga shed their thick black “eyebrows,” leaving them with pristine white faces resembling puffed-up cotton balls. A unique aspect of these fluffy little birds is their cooperative nature. If they don’t successfully mate in the spring, individual birds within their 20- to 30-strong flock will step in to help raise the young.
Shima-enaga are treasured symbols of Hokkaido and often feature on local souvenirs and handmade crafts. Hiroki’s journey as a photographer initially began with landscapes and portraits, but it was his encounters with nature that kindled a newfound love for photographing animals. His recent photographs of snow fairies, shared on Instagram, garnered an overwhelmingly positive response, showing that these tiny birds have captured the hearts of many.
According to an interview with The Epoch Times, the enchanting appearance of animals during Hokkaido’s winter season brings happiness to individuals. Despite Hokkaido’s relatively modest size in comparison to other regions worldwide, the adaptation of animals to the cold weather results in irresistibly cute and fluffy fur. The desire to share this cuteness with the world shines through, encapsulating the magic of Hokkaido’s snow fairies and their charming wintery wonderland.
