activities
The Toride Plant is located in the city of Toride, Ibaraki prefecture, Japan. The Tone River flows nearby and abundant greenery is found in the surrounding riverbeds and croplands. In conjunction with projects underway at Canon’s global headquaters, the Toride Plant runs conservation activities to protect birds and other forms of biodiversity.
Share: “Toride Plant / Toride Forest”
The southern portion of Ibaraki Prefecture features a broad swath of rich agriculture lands. The Tone River flows near the Toride Plant and abundant greenery is found in the surrounding riverbeds and croplands. Around thirty percent of the site is devoted to green spaces, featuring forests, grasslands, and many other green environments that are home to a diverse range of living things.
During our 2016 wild bird census, we confirmed that Rustic Buntings, listed as a vulnerable species by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) visited our site. The bird has a white abdomen and a mottled pattern on its breast. The photo shows a number of Rustic Buntings perched on a tree brunch at the Toride Plant. We are excited to continue monitoring these rare birds.
Major activity
We have conducted a spot census of the birds in our site together with the Wild Bird Society of Japan since 2016. A spot census involves recording the number and species of birds that appear over a 10-minute period at each of five fixed locations. The five locations are chosen to reflect the overall environment on the site. We have observed many types of birds throughout the seasons.
Activities: Case study 1
We installed nest boxes at three locations on our site in 2017. For better coexistence with wild birds, we will continue to monitor the conditions in which birds raise their chicks.
Activities: Case study 2
The number of employees, who become interested in wild birds and biodiversity, has increased since starting our Bird Branch Project activities. For example, one employee became interested in wild birds and installed a nest box in his own backyard. After that, he was able to witness a Japanese Tit, which uses that nest box, to feed its young and to leave the nest. We have also set up a display in our entrance lobby highlighting our environmental activities to create interest among employees and visitors to our plant.
This bird breeds on the edges of forests, on croplands, on riverbeds, and in other slightly open spaces. It’s known for twirling its long tail. The bird is often found in hills and mountain regions in spring and summer and in hills and lowlands during the autumn and winter.
This bird resides in woodlands, meadows, croplands, and riverbeds. Its primary food is seeds, and it is distinctive for its broad, flesh-colored bill.
This bird is cute with a tiny whitish body and a long tail. It has a distinctive “shiryuryu” call.
This bird prefers dense broadleaf forests. It has a chestnut color from its chest to its belly.
This bird is a winter bird and is similar to the closely related Naumann's Thrush in size, physical form, and behavior. It has a whitish belly. However, the Naumann's Thrush has a spotted pattern on its belly.
This bird is a migratory bird that arrives from Southeast Asia around March and stays until sometime in September. It makes its nest and breeds on our site. They have long been a part of the nature of Satoyama, in the mountains near the village, and are symbol of the coexistence of human with nature.
This bird is distinctive for its white eye-ring that stands out from its olive-green body. They love nectar from the common camellia and other flowering plants. We have observed their old nests on our site. It is sometimes mistaken for the Japanese Bush Warbler, which is famous for its “hookekyo” song.
This bird is frequently seen in wide open spaces such as grassy areas and along roads. They have white cheeks and sharp call. They wag their long tails up and down in an adorable fashion as it walks. The White Wagtail in the photo has nesting material in its mouth.