We set 300 nest boxes in the Tomakomai Experimental Forest, owned by Hokkaido University. Japanese tit (Parus minor) is the major species to use the nest boxes. About 15-30 breeding pairs use them every year.

A male Japanese tit brought a caterpillar to nestlings.

An amazing male masu salmon, developing strong secondary sexual characters. This guy migrated more than 200 km from the river mouth. Unfortunately, a high dam is now under construction in the Sanru River…

A typical meal during fieldwork – rice and canned foods. Everything is tasty in the field!!!

When we have a good research budget, we stay in a simple bungalow. But when we don’t, our hotel is … our car!

Dolly Varden charr, one of the main study species. Very pretty showing red spots on a blue or yellow background.

Urban red squirrels are also a main study species – they are really cute 😀