Japan attracts countless tourists with its rich and colorful natural landscapes and cultural heritage. However, many may not anticipate that this land has an uninvited “guest” — the crow, especially the hill crow that migrates here from China in winter. Their arrival has become a unique yet troubling issue in recent years.
The migration phenomenon of hill crows has attracted media attention; these crows circle above urban areas in Japan before eventually landing on utility poles and street trees, creating a distinctive natural landscape.
The city skyline that was once familiar in these areas is now covered by dark crows, creating a striking visual contrast that leaves a deep impression.
Meanwhile, these migratory birds are also accompanied by some troubles. In the habitats chosen by the crows, their droppings have become a significant source of pollution.
Due to these crows gathering in densely populated areas and bustling neighborhoods, the roads are often covered in crow droppings, which not only creates hygiene issues but also has a significant impact on local business operations.
In particular, restaurants located in these areas are often the first to be affected. Restaurant owners must thoroughly clean their establishments before opening each day, but by the end of the day, the external environment has become dirty and disordered again.
This not only affects the image of the store but also has a negative impact on customers’ shopping experience and appetite. Many restaurant owners therefore feel helpless about this sudden “gift” from the sky.
In response to the problems caused by crows, cities like Kumamoto have started to take action by installing devices that automatically play sounds that crows dislike, in hopes of driving them away.
Nevertheless, the effect seems to be somewhat lacking, and the crows still stubbornly occupy their “stations.”
The implementation of such measures reflects the delicate dynamic balance between humans and nature. The presence of crows is not only a part of the ecosystem but also forces humans to rethink the measures of coexistence with them. Perhaps managing the issue of crows through more scientific means is the direction of current and future efforts.
However, some birdwatchers welcome the arrival of the mountain crow. They believe that the arrival of crows enriches Japan’s winter ecology and adds a touch of life to the city.
From this perspective, crows may not just be a “nuisance,” but also a natural gift, reminding people living in fast-paced cities to observe and respect the power of nature.
Therefore, for friends who are about to travel to Japan, if they happen to see such a scene, in addition to maintaining personal hygiene, they can also observe these mysterious and intelligent birds with a curious mindset.
As the saying goes, human and nature are one; perhaps experiencing the wisdom and beauty of survival in nature is one of the true meanings of travel.