The black fields of Mt Kuju

It was cold on March 29! Minus 5 in the morning. But the sky was clear, kind of blue and that was the only color I saw when looking over the Tadewara swamp. The fields had been burned 2 weeks before and were still black. 

Ice ”sprouting” out the black dirt

A big flock of Dusky Thrushes, ツグミ were swarming low above the surface, landing in groups and picking at dead insects etc. Only when one perched on a rock would they stand out against the dusky background

Other small birds that nervously moved among them seemed to be Pipits. Buff-bellied Pipits, タヒバリ I think. Taking their fill before heading to their breeding grounds

At the edge a similar nervous group of Buntings that would not stay still.

Rustic bunting (カシラダカ)

Yet, along the river were the first flowers, Tsukushi Shojobakama, ツクシショウジョウバカマ