Photo and caption by Colin Shafer

This photograph was taken on a snowy day in Kyoto, Japan at Kinkaku-Ji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion). I waited for a long time for the waterbird to take flight, adding life to this quiet natural scenery. Kyoto has a heavy winter, and its beautiful Shinto shrines and Buddhist Temples become magical with the snow's presence.

Location: Kinkaku-Ji, Kyoto, Japan