On March the 24th 2021, we visited Wakayama prefecture, especially Wakayama Castle and Kimiidera Temple (紀三井寺).
There are many mistletoes (Viscum album ssp. coloratum, ヤドリギ) in Wakayama Castle.
Dusky Thrush (Turdus naumanni, ツグミ) at a field.
At least three types of stone wall are present in Wakayama Castle. Top, small stones are inserted among larger stones (Noduradumi 野面積み). This wall was probably constructed during Toyotomi age. Middle, the wall is mainly constructed by large stones inserted roughly (Uchikomihagi 打込みハギ). This wall was probably constructed during Asano age. Bottm, the wall is mainly constructed by carved large stones (Kirikomihagi 切込みハギ). This wall was probably constructed at Tokugawa period.
Woodland elaeocarpus (Elaeocarpus sylvestris var. ellipticus, ホルトノキ). This tree is characteristic to the warm temperate zone, as observed in Wakayama prefecture.
Yoshino cherry (Cerasus × yedoensis, ソメイヨシノ) is blooming.
Sanbokan (Citrus sulcata, サンボウカン). It is specific to Wakayama region in Japan. This species has never been classified properly and is regarded as a sort of hybrid.
Jungle Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos, ハシブトガラス) on the top of the castle.
Chinese fringetree (Chionanthus retusa, ヒトツバタゴ). This is a rare endangered species.
Sweet viburnum (Viburnum odoratissimum var. awabuki, サンゴジュ). This is also characteristic to the warm temperate zone.
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos, マガモ).
Spotbill Duck (Anas poecilorhyncha, カルガモ).
The above two ducks dominate over a national scenic spot, Wakayama Castle Nishinomaru Garden (和歌山城西之丸庭園). The ducks of different species seem to be a pair, as you can notice by zooming the above photo. Hybrid of Mallard and Spotbill Duck is one of the most common hybrids observed in Japanese ducks.
This is an important cultural property, the tower gate of Kimiidera Temple.
The long way to reach the top of Kimiidera.
A view from the top.
This is an important cultural property, the bell tower of Kimiidera Temple.
This is the standard Yoshino cherry for monitoring the bloom of the cherry trees in Wakayama prefecture.
Carrion Crow (Corvus corone, ハシボソガラス).
