26th Mar 2016: Cherry Blossoms and the Brown-Eared Bulbuls in Shinjuku Gyoen, Tokyo
/Home › › Shinjuku Gyoen The relationship between cherry blossoms and the brown-eared bulbul is a combination that beautifully symbolizes spring in Japan. Brown-eared bulbuls are fond of the nectar of cherry blossoms, and during the flowering season they visit cherry trees in flocks. Many varieties, such as Somei-yoshino and Yamazakura, contain abundant nectar, making them an ideal source of energy for these birds. They insert their long beaks deep into the blossoms to sip the nectar, moving lightly from branch to branch as they feed. Although cherry blossoms are primarily pollinated by the wind, the presence of bulbuls among the trees can assist with pollen transfer, and their activity is thought to play a supplementary role in pollination. The sight of bulbuls busily flitting about among the soft pink flowers in a quiet park is one of the beautiful scenes that herald the arrival of spring. Olympus OM-D E-M1 / M. Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO...