25 Jun 2016

Stunning views of Steller's Sea Eagles

We are underway on our third expedition of our Russian Far East season - 'Kamchatka Coast: Siberia's Forgotten Coast'.  We sailed from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy Friday night. 

Our first landing of the expedition was at the Zhupanova River approximately 100 miles north of  Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy.  It is a classic Kamchatka east coast river, meaning it is very important for salmon and has a great array of bird life.  We explored the lower reaches of the river by zodiac. We really wanted to see the magnificent Steller's Sea Eagle which breeds in Kamchatka and the Sea of Okhotsk region. We found a couple nests. It is obvious that the chicks have hatched and although the guard stage is over, the parents are still in attendance.  This gave some us some stunning views and if size of camera lens is any indication, there should be some great photos.   

We are all back on board as I write this and heading out to the Commander Islands where we will spend the next couple days.  The weather forecast is good meaning we are all in high spirits.

Photo from file of Steller's Sea Eagle on Zhupanova River

© M.Kelly