July 17th – July 22nd, 2026 is Summer – End of SHOSHO (Lesser heat)-33rd KOU “TAKA (hawks) learn to fly.”
TAKA chicks have learned how to fly and hunt, and are now preparing to leave the nest.
TUBAME (swallows) are so busy bringing food to their chicks, though they know that children too will soon be leaving parents. We also see KARUGAMO (spot-billed ducks) and KARASU (crows) in rice paddies nearby with their young, likely teaching them how to hunt for food.
On the other hand, some birds don’t take care of their young at all. KAKKO (cuckoos) lay their eggs in other birds’ nests and leave the raising to them. If you wake up early, you can hear the call.
It’s almost time for NAKABOSHI, draining the water from the rice paddies for several days. Doing so encourages the rice plants to develop strong root systems, resulting in sturdy, healthy crops.
2026/07/16 0550 a.m.