Hokkaido Steller's Sea Eagle
Coastal & Intertidal
Birds
Intermediate
Japan — Hokkaido
January to March
Overview
Photograph Steller's sea eagles hunting on drift ice in northeastern Hokkaido.
Equipment
- Camera with telephoto 500mm+
- Extreme cold gear
- Hand warmers
- Binoculars
Safety Notes
- Extreme cold -20°C — frostbite risk to exposed skin
- Ice conditions change rapidly
Identification Tips
1
Eagles concentrate where fishing boats discard catch
2
Ice floe cruises from Rausu offer closest approach
3
White-tailed eagles mix with Steller's
Species Checklist
| Species | Likelihood | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Steller's Sea Eagle | common | Pack ice and fishing harbours |
| White-tailed Eagle | common | Mixed with Steller's on ice |
| Blakiston's Fish Owl | rare | Hot spring rivers at night |
| Whooper Swan | common | Open water areas |