Ushitenjin Kitano-jinja|Ume plum trees and white-eyes play in spring

Year 2025February 2025FebruarySiberian thrush (Turdus sibiricus)Tokyo Metropolitan areaChinese plumUshitenjin Kitano Shrineblooming (esp. of cherry blossoms)bird
This photo was taken at Ushitenjin Kitano-jinja Shrine, where I felt "the arrival of spring played by plum trees and whitebait.

This photo was taken while considering the positional relationship between the plum tree and the white-eye, so that the overall balance would look beautiful. Aiming for the moment when the white-eyes show their natural movement, this photo is a reminder of the arrival of spring. The Ushitenjin Kitano-jinja Shrine holds an annual ume (plum) festival in time with the blooming of the ume trees. Red and white plum trees are in full bloom in the precincts of the shrine, and the sweet fragrance of the flowers attracts many visitors. In particular, when the ume blossoms are at their best, white-eyes can be seen visiting the branches and flitting about in search of nectar. The vivid hues of the plum blossoms and the green of the white-eyes harmonize to create a colorful scene on the shrine grounds. In the quiet atmosphere of the shrine, this time of year is a popular spot for photography enthusiasts to experience the arrival of spring.