Small gulls in Hokkaido Japan (1 Viewer)

[HokkaidoStu]

I was watching large numbers of Black Legged Kittiwake passing through Yakumo today and I suspect there were some interesting things among them.

I have some ideas about this/these bird(s) but want to get some more knowledgeable people's opinions first.

These 4 pics are all of the same individual. Crappy 100% crops, sorry.

Any ideas/opinions gratefully received..............

My first thought here was Saunders Gull (I'd seen one earlier in the year at the same spot) but the bill appears rather short.

 

[HokkaidoStu]

And here is another individual (not the same one I think but because of the different lighting I'm not 100% sure).

It's the bird in the centre, in among the Black Legged Kittiwakes.

My first thought here was Red Legged Kittiwake.

 

[chris butterworth]

Before I opened the thumbnails I thought 'Ross's,' but the grey on the nape and, particularly, the forked tail rule that out. As Red-legged Kittiwake is the only other gull with bright red legs (#6) that you'd possibly find around Hokkaido now I think you're right. BTW I will see one, one day.

Chris

 

[HokkaidoStu]

Thanks Chris.

I thought Ross's too but no wedge shaped tail.

Do you think the birds in post 1 and 2 are the same or different? Me and the wife spent 5 minutes staring at the computer screen and we weren't sure........

 

[chris butterworth]

I can't tell from the photos I'm afraid. I would think it unlikely there would be two birds, given the scarcity in Japan. Where abouts was it / were they? I've got one more visit this year and I may be able to wrangle a few days off. :t:

Chris

 

[HokkaidoStu]

It was at the mouth of the River Yurrapu in Yakumo...........

You think they are both Red Legged Kittiwakes then?

They are seen annually just to the north of Hakodate, at this time of year after strong easterlies. Difficult to find among all the Black Leggeds. It will/would be a lifer for me.

 

[chris butterworth]

I'm happy calling them/it Red-legged. Congratulations Stu, a lifer is always good but that's a bit special.

Chris

 

[lou salomon]

both are 1cy red-legged kittiwakes (if they are 2 birds), congrats to the rare lifer, stu. :t:

 

[HokkaidoStu]

Thanks Lou!