27 Jun 2014

Eagles Nest

After delivering passengers to Magadan it was a case of full steam ahead to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy with just the crew and expedition team aboard. This relocation gave us a chance to re-group as everyone took a breath before a couple of intensive months ahead. On arrival in PK we greeted an eager bunch of expeditioners including a large group from the UK for the haul north along the Kamchatka coast.

We sailed on 25 June from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatksiy and yesterday travelled up the Zhupanova River by Zodiac in search of the magnificent Steller’s Sea Eagle. Nobody is ever disappointed when they see this majestic bird. We had some great views of a nest in a tree on the banks of the river with both parents in attendance. Overnight we made our way to the Commander Islands and this morning landed in less than ideal conditions at the village of Nikoi’skyoe. Some of our party took an extended ‘birding’ walk while others stayed around the village visiting the excellent museum and meeting some of the locals. We are now headed for Medney Island and have already logged sightings of numerous Humpback and Sperm Whales and have enjoyed a great view of a Baird’s Beaked Whale. Fortunately the weather forecast looks to be improving tomorrow.