In the morning we set off at the beginning of high tide, so
that we can survey the shallow part of the Odyan Bay during high tide. At
this point we had left the filming crew behind. The reserve’s boat was to pick
them up, and they had to complete the trip to the Yamskiye island. Our task was
the eagle survey. The weather was tolerable, but we had to
move fast in order to travel within the eye of a cyclone. We saw a rain wall
forming behind and ahead of us.
The southern part of the Odyan Bay experienced an
exceptional herring run in early spring.The clip below shows the herring at the coast of the Kalkuty creek. A similarly large run of herring was reported from the Ola Bay.
Interestingly, there were no active nest on the southern
coast of the Odyan bay. We noted only 2 occupied territories. A number of new Kittiwake
and Slaty-backed gulls colonies were also noted on rocks, which were not used by these species before.
The weather was tolerable, but we were surrounded by several
weather systems.
The day was rainy, as was the night. The filming crew made 2
attempts to film a large bear on the creek, but on both occasions was forced
back by the rain.
Taking advantage of the overcast skies, we set off to the local creek to film the Pink Salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbusha).
This year the Pink Salmon run was plentiful. Not the most
remarkable as our memories told us, but still great.
The seals were on alert at the river mouth, now and then an
individual might make a remarkable hunt at the shallows of the river at the
high tide.
Irina has adapted a great way to fish. She waits for a gull to pick up a fish, then a short run... and ... fish secured.
No fishing equipment is necessary. Bonus: gulls are selective. They always pick up 'fresh' female salmon with eggs. Yes, caviar...
In the evening a bear tried to rip our inflatable boat. We
had to send an expedition (lead by the Reserve’s entomologists) to scare the
bear (and to bring some firewood). The boat was saved...
Today we made an attempt to get to the Umara Island. It has
a large sea bird colony and one of the most remarkable Steller’s Sea Eagle
nests. 100% accessible. A rare find. (http://potapov-nature.com/sse/original/File0016.jpg).
We set off for a half day, knowing that there might be some rain.
Indeed we were hit by a rain wall some 20 minutes after our
departure. We came back to the ranger’s station totally wet and defeated: I had
to turn back when the island was just 2 km away, but the visibility decreased to just 50 m. No point to continue….
Damage report: crew soaking wet, broken case for the
quadrocopter. Serious repair needed. No damage to the equipment
