The site is considered especially important for the tundra swan and the white-tailed eagle. Many varieties of ducks use the site, as well, with 50,000-60,000 visiting the lakes annually. A bird banding facility and an observation center are found at the site.
Etymology and geography
The lake name is based on the Ainukut-char (クㇳチャㇻ), meaning "marsh water outlet".[2]
Lake Kutcharo consists to two interconnected smaller lakes, the smaller northern one called Konuma (小沼) and the larger southern one called Onuma (大沼, Ōnuma).[3] Six rivers flow into Konuma, which flows into Onuma via a small waterway at the northern end of Onuma.
Additionally, two rivers flow into Onuma. The outlet—located at the upper southeast corner of Onuma—flows into the Kutcharo River which flows about 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) east where it converges with the Tonbetsu River about 600 metres (1,968.5 ft) before it empties into the Sea of Okhotsk.[3] Tides can cause some seawater inflow into Onuma.[3] The lake and the surrounding area was designated a Ramsar site in Japan in July 1989.[3][1]
Fauna and flora
Lake Kutcharo is considered an import wintering and resting site in the migration of tundra swans, with 6000–10,000 visiting each year.[3][4][1] More than 290 species of birds are found in and around the lake, especially ducks.[3] About 50,000-60,000 ducks visit annually.[1] The site is important for the conservation of the endangered white-tailed eagle.[1]
The lake is surrounded on three sides by forests of firs and spruces.[3]Ruppia occidentalis is known to grow in the shore area.[3]
Facilities
The Kutcharo-ko Waterfowl Observation Center is located on the southern shore of Onuma, and a bird banding station is located at the southern end of the connecting waterway between the smaller lakes.[3]
