Birth of the Forest Sage (080)

About the Ezo Ural Owl

The Ezo Ural Owl is known as the "wise bird of the forest." This photo captures a precious moment of a chick nearing fledging.

• Endemic subspecies of Hokkaido: Larger than the owls found in Honshu, with paler plumage. They are 50-60 cm long and have a wingspan of over 1 meter.
• Apex predator of the forest ecosystem: These nocturnal raptors prey on mice, small birds, and insects. Their excellent hearing allows them to accurately pinpoint the location of their prey.
• Breeding in tree hollows: They use hollows in old trees as nests and lay 2-4 eggs in spring. Chicks fledge in about one month.
• Connection to Ainu culture: In the Ainu language, they are called "Kunne Rek Kamuy" (god who cries at night) and have been revered as guardian deities.
• Silent flight: The serrated edges of their feathers allow them to fly silently.

About the Photographer

Kei Sato - An animal photographer dedicated to capturing the wildlife of Hokkaido

Born in Rumoi, Hokkaido, in 1979. Representative of SLASH Photo Office, OM SYSTEM PRO SERVICE member, and MILLET ambassador. He has climbed Mt. Daisetsu for over 10 years, documenting the ecology of Hokkaido chipmunks and Ezo pikas.

Books: "Yama no Engeiya-san Ezo Shimarisu (Mountain Gardener: Hokkaido Chipmunk)", "Kei Sato Photo Collection: Himitsu no Zekkei in Hokkaido (Secret Scenic Views in Hokkaido)", "Nakigoe de Kizuna o Musubu Ezo Nakiusagi (Ezo Pika: Connecting Through Calls)"

Awards: Grand Prize at the 35th Japan Nature Photo Contest, Nagaoka Award and Division 3 Nikkor Grand Prize at the 70th Nikkor Photo Contest

Photo Exhibitions: Including "Torikage ~ Hokkaido, Yacho-tachi no Rakuen (Bird Shadows ~ Hokkaido, Paradise for Wild Birds)" at OM SYSTEM GALLERY in 2024. Also appeared on Nippon TV's "Sekai no Hate Made Itte Q!" and "Aa!! Minna no Doubutsuen."

Recommended for

• Gifts for owl lovers
• Souvenirs from Hokkaido trips
• Gifts for bird watchers
• Special gifts for coffee lovers
• Gifts for nature enthusiasts

Pack Contents

Home-roasted coffee beans (10g) - for 1 cup

• Low acidity and easy-to-drink dark roast
• Blend of carefully selected beans from Brazil, Ethiopia, and more
• Best before: 12 months from roast date
• Package size: 120mm × 100mm × 5mm

About Premium Souvenirs

TAISETSU COFFEE is drip coffee packaged with photos of Hokkaido's wildlife. The precious image of an Ezo Ural Owl chick, captured by Kei Sato, is vividly printed. It's the perfect high-quality gift to evoke memories of Hokkaido's nature.