On May 23, a field event "Ginza's Swallow Observation Meeting" hosted by the Nature Information Plaza Marunouchi Sazurikan was invited by Mr. Kaihiko Kaneko, secretary of the Urban Bird Study Group, the author of "Ginza Swallows" was held.
"Ginza's Swallows" is a compilation of the fascinating ecology of urban swallows for 30 years by Kaihiko Kaneko.
Since ancient times, swallows have been popular as a symbol of beneficial birds.
Every spring, swallows come to Ginza from the wintering area of Southeast Asia.
A distance of thousands of kilometers.
In recent years, however, the number has declined sharply.
There are currently three nesting locations in Ginza, which had nine nesting locations 30 years ago, Matsuya East Building (Ginza 3), Toto Hier Ginza Sales Office (Ginza 8), and Musashi Building (Ginza 8).
As the cause
①The number of crows of foreign enemies increased
②The number of places where nesting can be done by rebuilding buildings has decreased.
(Small concrete walls, beams, scaffolds like fluorescent lights, deep eaves and eaves)
③The nest was dropped by people who disliked feces due to bird flu, etc.
Etc. is considered.
As a unique ecology of swallows,
①Creating a unique nest that uses only soil and dead grass
②The so-called "Tsubame Return" is a foraging method to catch flying insects
(Incidentally, the feeding of swallows in the city center is 1 ant 2 bees ... bees from the Ginza bees project
They also seem to be incorporated into the ecosystem.)
Drinking scene while flying over the water
③He specializes in flying fast, his legs are short and unsuitable for walking, except when looking for mud from nest materials.
I rarely get down on the ground
In addition, breeding forms that make good use of the presence of four people.
You can see it.
The reason why swallows are somehow surviving in Ginza
①There are many street trees that serve as a source of insects, and the Imperial Palace, a treasure trove of nature, is nearby.
②Many have been reclaimed, but there is still a nearby waterside (gliding water when drinking)
At the same time, side 3 that reflects people's hearts (such as taking care not to drop the nest when repainting the wall, or placing it on a new nest stand on the wall without throwing away the old nest when replacing the ceiling) The gentleness of the city that accepts swallows and watches the nest warmly
It is said that it is very important.
Once again, "people's involvement" and sympathy regarding the preservation of the ecological environment can be reaffirmed.
By the way, swallows are 17 cm long and wing open 32 cm long.
The throat and forehead are red, the belly is white, the breast is black horizontal band, elongated and pointed wings, and the tail feathers are deeply cut.
Female tail feathers are shorter than males.
It is said that the tail feathers have the role of changing direction and brake during flight.
Incubates in two weeks and hatches, and for another three weeks, after the parent swallows carry the food, they nest.
I hope you will come back to this city again next spring.
And I would like you to show me the smart and agile flight again.
