Is Kabushima Black-tailed Gull Breeding Colony happening right now?

As of today, past peak, season runs to ~July 10. Earth Exhibit tracks the live conditions and flags it the moment it is on.

Every spring and early summer Larus crassirostris (black-tailed gulls) return to breed at Kabushima, a small island and shrine off Hachinohe, Aomori.

The colony is one of the region's largest, with intense activity from nest-building through chick rearing and fledging.

Where to see it

A taste of where to see it. The full map, exact coordinates and the best timing for each spot live in the app.

Viewing spots
Kabushima Shrine Viewing Area (shore observation)
Tanesashi Coast Observation Decks
+ 1 more spot, with exact coordinates and timing, in the app →

This is the short version

This page shows a taste. The app has the full list of where to see this, the exact timing, and live conditions for 1,000+ natural phenomena worldwide, so you know the moment one is genuinely worth the trip.