Photo/Illutration A Steller’s sea eagle nicknamed the “Old Lady of Mount Yamamotoyama” is spotted in Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture, on Nov. 9. (Provided by Kohoku Wild-Bird Center)

NAGAHAMA, Shiga Prefecture--The female Steller's sea eagle affectionately known as “Old Lady of Mount Yamamotoyama” has made her annual seasonal return to Lake Biwako much earlier than usual. 

The Kohoku Wild-Bird Center here announced the sighting on Nov. 9, marking the 29th consecutive year of her migration to her winter home.

The arrival is 12 days earlier than last year, setting a new record for its earliest arrival in the Kohoku region, north of Lake Biwako.

A birdwatcher spotted the bird perched on a dead tree on Mount Yamamotoyama in the city overlooking Lake Biwako just before noon on Nov. 9, and center staff confirmed the sighting.

It was identified as the “Old Lady” based on the pattern of the black-and-white patterns on the underside of its wings. The Steller's sea eagle measures about 1 meter in length, with a wingspan of about 2.5 meters.　

According to the center, it was already an adult when first confirmed in January 1998 and is estimated to be at least 35 years old, making it likely the oldest Steller's sea eagle living in Japan.

The Steller's sea eagle is one of Japan's largest raptors and designated as a natural monument by the central government. It breeds along Russia's Sea of Okhotsk coast and winters in areas such as Hokkaido.

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