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In the south of Avacha Bay, which washes the shores of Kamchatka, twelve kilometres from the entrance to the bay of the same name, there is an interesting island called Starichkov (emphasis on the first syllable). It got this name thanks to the old men inhabiting it back in the XVIII century. Apart from them, this piece of land is inhabited by other birds, and together they form noisy bird markets that attract tourists.

Starichkov has also navigational importance, as it is visible to ships coming from the southern direction to the port of Petropalovsk-Kamchatsky and serves as a reference point for them. That is why in 1937 the first navigational sign was installed on this side, in 1955 it was moved to the top of the island.

Its area is quite small, about half a square kilometre. The height is 147.5 metres above sea level. At the top there is a plateau, the dry land consists of rocks, grasses, alder shrub and willow. The shores are steep and literally drop off into the ocean. It is possible to step on it relatively comfortably only from the western side. The island is surrounded by numerous rocks and reefs. At low tide they become visible, at high tide they are mostly hidden underwater. It is not safe to approach the island. The old men, as guards, are also protected by two kekkura. These are vertically standing small rocks. They have been named Sentry and Sentinel, very telling names....

Starichkov Island is a separate world, where many birds live in harmony with each other, with pinnipeds neighbouring with them. A peculiar ecosystem has formed here. It is very fragile, so tourists can admire the island only from a distance. The threat is not only the ever-increasing tourist traffic, but also the coastal fishery. Knowing this, people try to protect and preserve this unique natural monument.

Photos by Anton Skripachenko