Photo/Illutration Guru was at the top of the local ecosystem at Lake Suwako in Nagano Prefecture during the chilliest period of winter. Photo was taken in March 2011. (Provided by Yoshiaki Fujisawa)

SUWA, Nagano Prefecture--Amateur photographer Yoshiaki Fujisawa returns to the shores of Lake Suwako every day, hoping for a glimpse of a Steller's sea eagle that he helped rescue about 20 years ago.

The bird was in a weakened condition in the frozen waters in 1999 when Fujisawa, 69, from Tatsuno, Nagano Prefecture, and others pulled it to safety.

Since then, the sea eagle spreading its wings in a grand manner and catching large fish and birds has long been a common sight here during the chilliest period of winter.

However, Guru, named for the squawking sound she made, has not been spotted for two years, disappointing those who were captivated by the magnificent creature.

“If she is still alive, Guru would appear,” Fujisawa said. “Were it not for Guru, I feel like I would have gone stale. I had prepared myself for such a day, but I still believed that she would continue to come for at least an additional five years.”

Steller’s sea eagles spend most of their lives in Siberia and coastal areas in Hokkaido along the Sea of Okhotsk and migrate to southern regions in winter. The species, the largest bird found in Japan, is designated a natural treasure by the government.

Guru first visited Lake Suwako in 1996. When rescued from the lake in 1999, the bird was thought to be a 4-year-old female. Guru since flew to Lake Suwako around December every year and returned northward in March up until two years ago.

Photographers from across Japan would be excited at seeing her flying in the sky with wings spread and pecking at prey on the ice. Fujisawa was always at the front of the pack shooting images of the bird.

“Guru could take in all the food when finding dead fish floating to the surface,” he said. “The environment at Lake Suwako was favorable to her.”

Fujisawa said he was surprised by Guru on many occasions, such as when she pulled a grass carp larger than herself up to the frozen surface.

“She consumed her prey for three days on the ice,” Fujisawa said.

According to Fujisawa, Guru also feasted on birds when she could not find dead fish.

“When the entire surface of the lake is frozen, it is impossible to catch fish,” he said. “Guru attacked wild ducks at the mouth of a river and goosanders on the ice. I once saw her catching a great cormorant.”

At the top of the local ecosystem during the winter chill, Guru graced Lake Suwako with her majestic presence. Because of that, Fujisawa said he feels a huge sense of loss at her absence.

PHOTO EXHIBITION

An exhibition showing images of Guru taken at Lake Suwako during winter seasons between 1996 and 2018 is being held through March 8 in Suwa. About 60 photos on display were snapped by a group of eight photographers enchanted by the eagle.

The exhibition is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Takeya Miso Kaikan hall. Admission is free.

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