Common murres expected breeding in Hokkaido

Common murres expected breeding in Hokkaido

HABORO, Japan - Seven pairs of common murres which are in danger of extinction are observed on Teuri Island, the only breeding site for the bird in Japan, off Hokkaido's Haboro on June 22, with breeding expected for the first time in three years. The number of the birds has been falling since the 1960s due to environmental destruction.

Rhinoceros auklet seabird returns to nest on Hokkaido islet

Rhinoceros auklet seabird returns to nest on Hokkaido islet

A rhinoceros auklet returns to its nest on Teuri Island off Haboro in Japan's northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido on the night of June 22, 2015. The seabird, about 35 centimeters long, is capable of diving and swimming underwater like a penguin. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Rhinoceros auklet seabirds rest in waters off Hokkaido islet

Rhinoceros auklet seabirds rest in waters off Hokkaido islet

Two rhinoceros auklets rest on the sea off Teuri Island in Hoboro in Japan's northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido on June 22, 2015. Other seabird species such as the spectacled guillemot are also busy rearing their hatchlings, plunging the island into the liveliest season of the year. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Spectacled guillemot seabird flaps wings at cliff on Hokkaido islet

Spectacled guillemot seabird flaps wings at cliff on Hokkaido islet

A spectacled guillemot flaps its wings at a cliff on Teuri Island off Haboro in Japan's northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido on June 22, 2015, with the onset of the breeding season. It is characterized by its red legs. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Zoo continues exhibit to protect rare seabirds on north Japan islet

Zoo continues exhibit to protect rare seabirds on north Japan islet

Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa, Hokkaido Prefecture, continues an exhibition of pictures and other materials, as seen in this photo taken on April 29, 2015, to inform visitors of a campaign to protect rare seabirds from feral cats on Teuri Island, off the western coast of the northernmost prefecture. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Rhinoceros auklets rest near Teuri Island, Hokkaido

Rhinoceros auklets rest near Teuri Island, Hokkaido

Rhinoceros auklets rest in waters off Teuri Island, Hokkaido, on June 22, 2015. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Black-tailed gull steals fish from rhinoceros auklet

Black-tailed gull steals fish from rhinoceros auklet

A black-tailed gull (above) and a rhinoceros auklet are seen around the latter's nest on Teuri Island, Hokkaido, on June 22, 2015. The gull robbed the rhinoceros auklet of fish when the seabird returned to the nest to feed its chicks. The island is the world's largest breeding ground for rhinoceros auklet. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Common murres expected breeding in Hokkaido

Common murres expected breeding in Hokkaido

HABORO, Japan - Seven pairs of common murres which are in danger of extinction are observed on Teuri Island, the only breeding site for the bird in Japan, off Hokkaido's Haboro on June 22, with breeding expected for the first time in three years. The number of the birds has been falling since the 1960s due to environmental destruction. (Kyodo)