認定NPO法人
[旧称：認定NPO法人行徳野鳥観察舎友の会]
Gyotoku Nature Conservation Club NPO
a.k.a. "hogoclub"
[ex:The Friends of the Gyōtoku
Wild Bird Observatory NPO]
Gyōtoku Wildlife Sanctuary
Until the 1960s, there were rich wetlands containing a mix of tidal flats, reed beds, lotus fields, and paddies stretching from Kasai in Tokyo to Nishi Funabashi in Chiba. Because the Imperial Household Agency maintains the “Shinhama Kamoba” – the Imperial Shinhama Duck Reserve – in the Gyōtoku- Urayasu area, the area came to be known as Shinhama, and became well known for its numerous and varied waterfowl.
Unfortunately, starting in the 1960s, much of this rich natural environment was lost to land reclamation for regional development. However, here in the Gyōtoku Wildlife Sanctuary, we are working to restore and maintain the natural wetlands environment. The Wildlife Sanctuary and the Imperial Duck Reserve combine to form a special conservation zone of approximately 83 hectares (205 acres).
Within the Wildlife Sanctuary, the protection of living creatures and the natural environment takes precedence, and human interference is kept to a minimum. Although people are not usually allowed to enter the Sanctuary, we hold regular Wildlife Viewing events, and hope you will take the opportunity to participate. Even when there is not an event, a visit to the Wildlife Sanctuary offers a chance to see wild birds, plants, and creatures of all kinds.
Gyōtoku Wild Bird Observatory
New Facilities(Gyotoku Wild Bird Observatory “I-nest”) opened in the site in old observatory on 2020 October 11.Ichikawa City operates that observatory.
Wild Bird Hospital
At the Wild Bird Hospital, we provide treatment for injured or orphaned birds of all kinds. Birds that are brought to the Hospital are examined, given medication or operated on as needed, and monitored carefully through their recovery. The goal of the Hospital is to provide care and food in order to give these birds their best chance of returning safely to their wild environment.
However, many birds are brought to the Hospital with severe injuries, and only around 40% of these birds can be treated and returned to their natural environment. Around 30% to 40% of the birds brought to the Hospital die soon after their arrival, and the other 20% become long-term residents of the Hospital.
Although the ideal scenario is for wild birds to return to their natural environments, the birds who cannot be released and who remain in the Hospital will receive lifelong care. These resident birds can be seen by visitors to the Wildlife Sanctuary, and provide an excellent opportunity for these visitors to see and learn about the birds who live in this area.
Nature Observation Events at the Gyōtoku Wildlife Sanctuary
*Please note that these events are conducted in Japanese.
Weekly Wildlife Sanctuary Walk
When: Every Sunday and Holiday, 13:30 – 15: 30
(cancelled in case of rain)
Where: Meet in front of the Wild Bird Observatory building
What: Although the Wildlife Sanctuary is normally closed to the public, participants will be taken on a guided walk within the Sanctuary and have the opportunity to see a variety of wild birds, plants, and other creatures that live in the wetlands.
*Come on the appointed day; tour is free of charge.
Weekday Wildlife Sanctuary Walk
When: The first Thursday of every month, 10:00 – 12:00
(cancelled only in case of heavy rain)
Where: Meet in front of the Wild Bird Observatory building
What: Although the Wildlife Sanctuary is normally closed to the public, participants will be taken on a guided walk within the Sanctuary and have the opportunity to see a variety of wild birds, plants, and other creatures that live in the wetlands.
*Come on the appointed day; tour is free of charge.
Evening Wildlife Sanctuary Walk
When: The fourth Saturday of every month, 16:30 – 18:30 (from October through January: 16:00 – 18:00)
(cancelled only in case of heavy rain)
Where: Meet in front of the Wild Bird Observatory building
What: A different experience from the daytime walk. In the evening, depending upon the season, visitors have the opportunity to see wild birds roosting, hear the songs of insects, etc.
*Come on the appointed day; tour is free of charge.
Volunteer Day
When: The fourth Saturday of every month, 13:00 – 15:00
(cancelled in case of rain)
What: Work alongside the Wildlife Sanctuary staff to experience various aspects of maintaining the Sanctuary. Different activities every month.
Shinhama Walking Tour
When: Every Second Sunday of the Month, 10:00 am
Tour takes 3.5 hours (short version) or 5 hours (long version)
Where: Meet at the Tokyo Metro Tōzaisen Gyōtoku Station, in the plaza to the right after exiting the ticket barrier
Fee: ¥200
Bring: Lunch and observation equipment.
What: The short version is a leisurely tour of the Wildlife Sanctuary. The long version makes a circuit including the Edogawa basin and the Wildlife Sanctuary (bus fare also required).
Other events
We hold a wide variety of other events including the Spring Wildlife Sanctuary Walk, Bird Week Birdwatching Walk, Cherry Blossom Walk, Edo Riverside Classroom, and the Cicada Walk.
Information about these events will appear on the Monthly Events Calendar. In addition, our latest information and news appears on the Gyōtoku Wild Bird Observatory Blog.
About our NPO
Gyotoku Nature Consevation Club NPO(ex:The Friends of the Gyōtoku Wild Bird Observatory NPO) was established in 1979 in order to develop and protect a natural environment where wild birds could thrive.
The work of Gyotoku Nature Consevation Club NPO includes:
Running the Wild Bird Hospital, which cares for injured birds of all kinds with the goal of helping them to return to their natural environment.
Managing the lands of the Gyōtoku Wildlife Sanctuary, which involves ongoing work to restore and maintain the wetlands environment. This includes maintaining the artificial pools and paddies in which rainwater and recycled wastewater is used to restore the wetlands and create a natural setting for water birds, and mowing periodically to cut back the lush growth of reeds and cattails that, if left untended, discourage water birds from using the wetlands, among many other jobs.
Engaging in research and studies in order to improve the lives and environment of wild birds, and to help humans and birds to coexist. These include monitoring the water quality of the recycled water being used in the wetlands; a survey of the breeding and movements of the Herring Gull in Japan; and research about the Great Cormorant, which faces many challenges in this area due to its shrinking environment and conflict with humans.
For information about other research and surveys being conducted at the Wildlife Sanctuary, please see the Japanese-language pages of this website.
