EAGLES

In December, the eagles return to Vladivostok. These majestic birds make their nests in Kamchatka, Sakhalin and the lower reaches of the Amur River, and arrive in our region for the winter.

The eagles stay close to the ice-free bays, where they can easily obtain fish. And, since the Zolotoy Rog (the Golden Horn Bay) is in Vladivostok itself, the birds make their home almost in its center, brightening the otherwise wintry urban landscape.

There are two types of eagles in Vladivostok: the Steller and the white-tailed. Nothing rivals the beauty and majesty of the Steller sea eagle: It is the largest bird of prey in Eurasia, with a wingspan of up to 2.5 m. Due to its size, huge bright yellow beak, snow-white shoulders, legs and tail, in sharp contrast to its overall dark brown feathers, it is impossible not to notice these feathered hunters, sitting motionless in the trees along the busy streets, soaring above the ship masts, even strolling along the city’s waterfront.

In March, when spring comes to Russia's Pacific Coast, the eagles leave Vladivostok, returning to their native nests.