Keiko Ellis, Mejiro(Japanese White_Eye) with Early Cherry blossom (ANIMAL & NATURE 2025)

Mejiro is a category of warbling bird that announces the arrival of spring in Japan. I captured these images mid February this year. The early cherry blossoms, called Atami cherry, normally Strat in Japan in January. But in 2024 the hot summer weather delayed the early bloom. When I visited Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in Tokyo, it was the perfect time for viewing the Mejiro which is a very popular bird for the Japanese nation. Their beautiful green colour stands out as a powerful contrast against the cherry blossoms.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.