THE TOUR AT A GLANCE...

Day 1. Arrival Kushiro, Hokkaido, Japan

Kushiro is a bustling port city in south-eastern Hokkaido, and is located along both banks of the Kushiro River, where this river empties into the Pacific Ocean. The city was first settled by Japanese immigrants in 1870. The natural port of the estuary is the largest trading and fishing port in eastern Hokkaido. A long day ends with accommodation in a comfortable hotel, and the first Japanese dinner. O/N Kushiro. D

Day 2: Kushiro – Obihiro – Haboro

After early breakfast we drive towards Haboro which is the destination of the day.There will be many new bird voices to practice, especially the many warblers (several species of locust warblers), Japanese Bush Warbler, Eastern Crowned Warbler, Varied Tit, Japanese Tit, Brown-eared Bulbul, Japanese White-eye, Narcissus Flycatcher, Meadow Bunting, Black-faced Bunting, wagtails and more. Arrival in Haboro late in the day. O/N Haboro. B

Day 3: Teuri Island. Day excursion to the bird paradise among 1000,000 auks and seabirds

We have set aside the whole day for a day excursion on Teuri Island which is about 30 km from Haboro. When we arrive at the island you can walk around the island (about 3 hours) or cycle. We arrive by ferry to the port of Teuri, and five minutes’ walk from the port there is an information centre called "Umi-no- uchuukan," a great place to start! The view of the open sea is formidable, and the steep cliffs are vantage points for spectacled guillemots, and guillemots. The surroundings are to a bizarre degree covered with holes, which are nest holes of Rhinoceros Auklet. With more than 400,000 breeding pairs, Teuri is the world's largest breeding ground for the species. It abounds with cormorants, gulls, and auks. Pelagic Cormorant is one of the breeding birds, and at this time of year it is possible to see adult birds in the beautiful breeding suit with white feathers that surround the neck region. Rishiri-Fuiji is visible when the weather is clear and at this time of year you can also enjoy myriads of colourful flowers. There are also many seals in the water. We have the whole day available so there will be an opportunity to enjoy the amazing island. O / N Haboro. B

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Day 4: Haboro - Wakkanai. To the northern tip of Hokkaido; beautiful views and landscapes

We continue to the northern tip of Hokkaido. Again, a day of driving through beautiful mountain areas until we reach the coast. We have found a cosy guest house between Cape Soya (Soyamisaki) and Wakkanai, beautifully situated by the sea (also here many spotted seals in the water, which can be seen from the dining room). The place is one of the best for Gray Nightjar, which is often heard from the parking lot outside the guest house. O/N Wakkanai. BD

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Day 5: Wakkanai (northern tip of Hokkaido) - Abashiri. Okhotsk Line - the coastal road to Abashiri

We continue south along the eastern side of the peninsula along Rt 238, the so-called Okhotsk Line. Here, too, the road leads through lush and green areas, and the region is quite populated. White-bellied Green Pigeon is relatively common along this stretch. Lake Saroma. Beniya Natural Flower Garden (in Hamatonbetsu) is also a nice stop with fine species that are gradually becoming familiar. O/N Abashiri. B

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Day 6: Abashiri - Lake Tofutsu - Shiretoke - Rausu. Lake Tofuso, the beautiful flower park - Koshimizu, Ruby Nightingale and exciting waterfowl, Shiretoke National Park - looking for brown bears

Just ten kilometres from Abashiri is the first stop of the day. Lake Tofutso-ko and the surrounding area are a good bird location. There are many herons and ducks (especially Falcated Duck which are seen among the mixed flocks of ducks). Hotspot for Chestnut-eared Bunting (and White-tailed Needletail). We stay for couple of hours (Red-Crowned Crane and Lathams Snipe). Further ahead the landscape is rugged and with low scrub vegetation of low vegetation (1-2 m). The avifauna is also dominated by alpine birds. From the top of the pine trees, the beautiful song sounds from Pine Grosbeak, and Japanese Accentor is often observed. Further down, the vegetation is dominated by strong low bamboo vegetation which is also home to the rare Gray Bunting - in the area's forests also occur Siberian Blue Robin, Olive- backed Pipit, Blue-and-White Flycatcher, and the beautiful Narcissus Flycatcher. At the end of the day, we arrive in Rausu. We accomodate in a comfortable hotel by the coast. O/N Rausu. B

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Day 7 and 8. Rausu - whale watching, Blakistons Fish Owl, bear sightings etc.

Depending on the weather, we coordinate the various program points so that the participants get the maximum benefit. The waters around the Shiretoko Peninsula are one of the best places on the planet to see orcas in late spring, and at this time of year, the number of orcas is greatest. We have included a whale safari from Rausu, but it is possible to buy extra. The strait is shaped like a bay and the waves are relatively calm, making it the ideal place for boat trips for whales and orcas. Humpback and minke whales, as well as several dolphin species are often seen among the huge flocks of Short-tailed Shearwater. The rest of the days we spend on excursions in the mountains on yesterday's route Rausu - Shiretoko Pass - Rausu (often the stretch must be traversed several times to optimize the chance of seeing brown bears). Of course, we're also looking for the world's largest owl, Blakiston's Fish Owl. We have included an evening / night at one of the best locations on the planet, and we are usually successful. O/N Rausu. B

Day 9: Rausu - Nemuro. Along the coastal road to the Nemuro Peninsula

During the day we drive southeast, along the coastal road along the Izmerny Strait until we reach the Nemuro Peninsula (100 km). Along the way we pass small port towns and stop where there are good views and birds to watch. Sea eagles are often exposed on the concrete piers and in the low bush vegetation along, Rubythroats and Steiniger’s Stonechat are common. Places with trees and denser vegetation are good habitats for Oriental Cuckoo, Japanese Bush Warbler, Eastern Crowned Warbler, Sakhalin Grasshopper Warbler, Meadow Bunting, and Black-faced Bunting. In the open countryside, the Black- eared Kite hovers side by side with the Large- billed Crow, and on the power, lines sit Bull- headed Shrike, Chestnut-cheeked Starling, White-cheeked Starling, and Russet Sparrow. Long-tailed Rosefinch and Latham’s Snipe frequent moist marshes and bogs, and Asian House-Martin and Pacific Swift hunt insects above the water’s surface. O / N Nemuro for the following three nights. B

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Day 10 and 11: Nemuro Peninsula - Cape Nosappu

The Nemuro Peninsula is the south-eastern tip of Hokkaido and is the last bastion towards the great Pacific Ocean - you can see directly over to the Kuriles. We have two full days in the area and that is important as the weather is very changeable. There are several fine species in the area both in the sea and on the land side, and among the heights are Red-Faced Cormorant, Pigeon Guillemot, Spectacled Guillemot, Rhinoceros Auklet, Tufted Puffin, Ruby Nightingale, Long-tailed Rosefinch, Steiniger’s Stonechat, Middendorff ́s Warbler o.m. With a little luck you can see sea otters, whales and seals along the coast, and the landscapes in June are decorated with beautiful irises. 

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The Taiga forests around Lake Onneto and Lake Furen are a must when visiting the Nemuro area. Fine old coniferous forest with strong undergrowth creates good conditions for woodpeckers, songbirds, thrushes, owls, warblers, and other goodies. We have prioritized an early hike (8 km) through the forest to experience the atmosphere and the birdsong optimally. While it's still dark, the White’s Thrush begins its beautiful monotonous whistle, soon accompanied by Blue Tail, Japanese Thrush, White-Bellied Green Pigeon, Japanese Robin, Eastern Crowned Warbler, Sakhalin Leaf Warbler, Varied Tit, Siberian Blue Robin, Narcissus Flycatcher, Blue-and - White Flycatcher and Asian Stubtail, etc. Several species of woodpeckers are in the area: White-backed Woodpecker, Three-toed Woodpecker, Black-backed Woodpecker (rare in Japan) Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker, and all three species of locustella warblers can also be experienced. The Oriental Cuckoo's characteristic deep monotonous call, which can be heard from a long distance, is also a characteristic element in the forest's soundscape. Lakes and bogs also contain fine birds: Black-browed Reed Warbler, Segland, Red-Crowned Crane, and Lathams' Snipe. The nearby Hattaushi Bridge is a well-known locality for Blakiston’s Fish Owl, but it is difficult to see at this locality. The overflying White-throated Needtails are easier! The Ural owl also periodically gives his effort. O / N Nemuro. B

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Day 12: Nemuro – Kushiro. Tour concludes After breakfast we drive towards Kushiro, from where the tour concludes. BL