Whooper  swans heading further north than Hokkaido have gathered at Lake Kutcharo in Hamatonbetsu Town to rest their wings in preparation for their long journey.
As of April 14, more than 6,000 swans have gathered at Lake Kutcharo in Hamatombetsu Town, and are about to depart on their long journey.

I always wondered why migratory birds take the risk of traveling thousands of kilometers when it would be easier to stay here.
I have seen the exhibits at the Hamatonbetsu Waterfowl Observatory, but the mystery only deepens.