Aomori to Hakodate by Ferry

Location: Aomori Bay - Tsugaru Straits - Hakodate Bay

Access: Higashi Nihon Ferry from Aomori to Hakodate (3h50m)

Weather: Cloudy, Cool-Cold, Strong Breeze, Sea Choppy

Time: 9.10am - 1.00pm

Birds: Short-tailed Shearwater, Temminck's Cormorant, Black-tailed Gull, Slaty-backed Gull, Ancient Murrelet, Rhinoceros Auklet

Comments: Choppy seas but a relatively smooth ride on the Higashi Nihon Ferry from Aomori Bay over the Tsugaru Straits and into Hakodate Bay. Ancient Murrelet and Rhinoceros Auklet are frequent sightings in Aomori Bay. Rhinoceros Auklet are more numerous and sit on the edge of areas set with fishing nets.

Short-tailed Shearwater (Slender-billed Shearwater) - regular sightings throughout journey - difficult to seperate from Sooty Shearwater but identification made on the rapid and erratic flight, and the mainly all-dark underwing linings.

Temminck's Cormorant appear close to Hakodate. Gulls frequent in Aomori and Hakodate Bays.

Link: Separation of Sooty and Short-tailed Shearwaters

2006 Japan Bird Count: 96 Species