wgeoff

The first group are auks and from the size, shape and on some, pale bills and head pattern, Ancient Murrelet I think. These are the commonest auk on Hokkaido in summer.

The second bird is a dark phase Northern Fulmar, also regularly found on Hokkaido in summer.

Any more Hokkaido photos, particularly sea birds?

wgeoff

I presume the photo is taken in Japan? If so, it is an interesting record. Any diver in Japan in June is unusual, although this bird is mostly in winter plumage.

I think it can't be a Great Northern Diver (or Common Loon in USA), they have not been recorded in Japan.

It looks more like a Black-throated (Arctic) or Pacific Diver (Loon), possibly a Black-throated since the white on the flanks is quite extensive.

[ Last edited by wgeoff at 30/06/2008 10:07 ]

wgeoff

I now think the auks in your first photo are Rhinocerus Auklet.

The beaks seem too large for Ancient Murrelet with something sticking up at the front. Light colour (orange) would fit this species. Also the underparts are more the correct colour for this species, which can be common on Hokkaido in summer according to the textbooks.

[ Last edited by wgeoff at 30/06/2008 14:51 ]