Swan-ful Morning

The ryokan reception advised the "ichiban" time for viewing the swans is 6.30am. That means 5.30 am in onsen, so that we can make it to the lake before 6.30am. The scene at the lake was just chaotic and overwhelming. 6000+ swans filled the lake, groups of swans squawking continuously, mechanical flapping of their wings overhead, random groups taking off in all directions. Felt like a bazaar in a super busy airport with a lot of midair near-misses. As of Oct 24th, 6000+ swans has already migrated here from Siberia. Peaked at 9000+ last year. Fingers freezing, totally cannot figure out how to capture the scene as everything kept zooming left, right, center. Best type of birding possible, guaranteed sightings within 15mins drive.