Snow Bunting on Tundra Boulder at Golden Hour

Golden light from the low horizon wraps the rugged tundra landscape near Sapporo, casting long shadows across the pale stone. A snow bunting stands atop a weathered boulder, its white plumage blending with the pale ground while dark wing markings provide sharp contrast. The bird faces away, presenting a view of its rounded back and folded wings against the vast, clear sky. The horizon glows with a warm, amber hue that softens the harsh contours of the rocky terrain. Beneath the bird, the rough texture of the lichen-covered rock catches the fading light. One shadow stretches out behind the boulder, marking the precise angle of the sun just before it dips below the horizon line.