Izhilkhey Island

Izhilkhey Island is a small rock in the Maloye More Strait of Lake Baikal. It is clearly visible during boat tours that depart from the village of Khuzhir on Olkhon Island. The island is primarily known as a major colony of great cormorants. Over many years, the birds have nested on its cliffs, and their droppings have coated the rocks in a thick layer, turning the island white and earning it its second name—Belenkiy (or "Little White One").