After spending a couple of weeks in Far East Russia (Think Siberia, but further east), one of the places that stood out above the rest was the Zhupanova River in Kamchatka.
Zodiac Cruising in wild Russia, Volcanoes looming in the Background
Kamchatka is one of those rugged places with no road access to the rest of the country and cities and towns largely looking like they did back in the Soviet era.
Salmon fishing and hunting are common along this part of Kamchatka, yet the Zhupanova River boasted a huge array of wildlife and bird life, which attracted most of the people on my ship trip run by Heritage Expeditions.
Russian Fishermen, Zhupanova River in Kamchatka, Russia
In one short visit, I saw more than 20 Steller Sea Eagles, somewhere around 100 Largha Seals, a handful of Sea Otters and plenty of other bird species. With snow-capped active volcanoes in the background (some of them smoking) it was one of those surreal landscapes, the type of nature paradise that I prefer to seek out on my travels.
Steller Sea Eagle flying above the Zhupanova River in Kamchatka
Steller Sea Eagle in a Tree near the Zhupanova River in Far East Russia
Nature rules here and I was lucky to visit an area that only sees handfuls of tourists every year. Even the local fishing town was happy to see some visitors for a change and welcomed us in for some fish and tea.
Largha Seals lounging around in the water of the Zhupanova River, Russia
I even learned a little about birding in this part of Russia, after spotting the elusive Aleutian Tern. For someone who once disliked all birds except those that couldn’t fly, travelling to remote Russia with a boat of birders was an eye-opening experience. I dreamed about birds for a week after the trip and can now tell the difference between Tufted and Horned Puffins and also know that there is no such thing as a ‘Seagull’!
Fishing Village, Zhupanova River in Russia
Looking for Wildlife – Zodiac Cruising the Zhupanova River in Far East Russia
Not only haven’t I heard of the Zhupanova, I’ve never heard of Kamchatka! Just today I was lamenting about how few destinations are left that haven’t been overrun by tourists, but obviously I need to get further afield.
I’m impressed by your shot of Russian fishermen! I’m very shy when it comes to photographing people who are staring right at me…
Jenna recently posted..Croatia: Plitvice Lakes to Dubrovnik road trip, in photos
Thanks Jenna…I rarely photograph people, but was pleased with that shot. I also have that invasive feeling when it comes to taking pictures of people. Now if I was being paid to photograph a place, event, person…that is different. But in general, I tend to stick to nature/wildlife photography.
Kamchatka is high on my list of places to travel. Love your photos and the wildlife looks amazing!
Natasha von Geldern recently posted..Destination USA: Bucks County, PA
That’s awesome Natasha…hope you get there, it’s a place that many people still haven’t even heard of (I love those kind of places, haha)