Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Let's go together

Whooper swans gather in the open waters of Lake Kussharo, where hot spring currents rise to the surface, keeping parts of the lake from freezing while the rest is cloaked in ice. Typically, these graceful birds play and float individually, each immersed in their own serene world. However, there was a magical moment when many of them simultaneously raised their heads, all gazing in the same direction as if drawn by an unseen cue. I was incredibly fortunate to capture this fascinating, exciting, and beautiful scene—a rare glimpse into their synchronized behavior set against the stunning backdrop of a winter landscape. Witnessing and photographing this collective movement was an unforgettable experience that highlighted the hidden harmony of nature.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 02.2024
Date Uploaded: 11.2024
Photo Location: Teshikaga, Japan
Camera: NIKON Z 9
Copyright: © Yoshiki Nakamura