Birdwatching in Ochiichi Nature Cruise, Hokkaido (11 July, 2025)

 This was my first time on a nature cruise from Ochiishi Port. I was really looking forward to seeing seabirds in their breeding plumage this season. Soon after leaving port, Rhinoceros Auklets began appearing. They have a strange protrusion on their beak and a white whisker resembling a beard. Further offshore, we began seeing many Spectacled Guillemots. They're almost entirely black, but with round white areas around their eyes and bright red legs, they're very conspicuous in flight. The highlights of the day were the Tufted Puffin and the Pigeon Guillemot. The former used to breed commonly in eastern Hokkaido, but their numbers have declined significantly in recent years, making them a rare bird. The Pigeon Guillemot breeds in the Kuril Islands, making it a rare sight at this time of year.

We also spotted a White-tailed Eagle, Ancient Murrelet, and Red-faced Cormorant, making for a very productive and satisfying day.

Rhinoceros Auklet

Rhinoceros Auklet

Rhinoceros Auklet

Japanese Cormorant

Japanese Cormorant

Ancient Murrelet

Pigeon Guillemot

Pigeon Guillemot

White-tailed Eagle

White-tailed Eagle

Spectacled Guillemot

Spectacled Guillemot

Spectacled Guillemot

Spectacled Guillemot

Spectacled Guillemot

Spectacled Guillemot

Spectacled Guillemot

Spectacled Guillemot

Spectacled Guillemot

Spectacled Guillemot

Red-faced Cormorant

Red-faced Cormorant

Red-faced Cormorant

Red-faced Cormorant

Red-faced Cormorant

Red-faced Cormorant