I'd be happy to catch a Shima Enaga rocket
any day☺️

Photo courtesy of @mako_photo26

Flying straight towards the camera is... the Shima Enaga, a wild bird from Hokkaido. Its adorable appearance has become a hot topic, earning it nicknames like "snow fairy" and "the idol of the bird world."

The person who posted this fluffy, round "Shima Enaga rocket" is Makoto Kobayashi, the vice-chairman of the Tomakomai Branch of the Wild Bird Society of Japan and a Domingo Local Player. We spoke with him about this shot, which was taken in a park in Abira Town on January 1st.

A Shima Enaga perched on a branch is cute, but one flying towards you (getting closer) is on another level of cute! And this time, it looked like it was flying like a rocket, or maybe a bullet!

The feeling of cuteness rushing towards you (though it's just for an instant...) is simply irresistible!

Let's take a look at the moment Mr. Kobayashi describes as "cuteness rushing towards you."

A Shima Enaga perched on a branch

Spreading its wings...

Rocket launch!

It's so cute you can't help but want to catch it or have it fly right into you! Finding these small, swift birds, which only inhabit Hokkaido, is a true challenge, but one day we hope to witness the Shima Enaga rocket with our own eyes.

Special thanks to: Makoto Kobayashi
Instagram: @makophoto26