It had snowed overnight and a wintery pre-dawn greeted us as we geared up ready for the day ahead. Dave’s birthday (which was announced surreptitiously through the use of his Kagoshima Black Pig…) started with the unbelievable news that the pack ice had arrived from Russia literally overnight and we would soon be on the boat in Rausu Harbour and heading several miles offshore towards the disputed ex-Japanese – now Russian islands to find it.
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| Behold the Kagoshima Black Pig - everyone should have one (or in Dave's case, many...) |
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| Trees behind the harbour decked out in Eagles |
It was a lumpy journey out there but suddenly it calmed as
we came into the lee of the mass of crumpled up ice that then spread as far at
you could see. There were already
White-tailed and Steller’s Sea Eagles on the ice and we found our own spot to start getting
their attention.
Last year there was no ice and we watched them not far from
the harbour in a display that left us breathless as they repeatedly swooped
down to pluck thrown fish from the surface.
It was simply the very best birding experience I had ever had. What happened that morning a year later was
emotionally on another level. I did not
think that that would be possible. I had
been here before and I did not need to imagine what the whole experience meant
to the rest of the crew.
Try leading a group and not standing in a corner as you head back into port fighting back tears of amazement and wonder. I am normally an emotional sought of guy but this was draining in its intensity. If anyone were to ask Dave and I at that point why we do what we do, the answer was writ large across our faces. No words were needed.
It is safe to say that we had got some quality views…
I whittled down my images from 3000 to just 180 and even
then there are the best part of a hundred here for your perusal. I am not sorry that I have posted so
many. It is as much a visual journal for
myself as it is you my loyal readers.
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