Blooming red campion (Silene dioica, Melandrium rubrum, Russian name Drioma) near a beach in Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 20, 2019
Shells of sea snails on a beach near guard station in Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, October 2, 2016
Shells of snails on a beach in Dubki Park. Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 31, 2014
Wild roses on the beach and Sestra River in Sestroretsk, 15 miles north-west from Sankt Petersburg. Russia, October 2, 2000
European searocket (Cakile baltica, Cakile maritima subsp. baltica, Russian name Gorchitsa) behind reeds on a beach in Sestroretsk, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 8, 2016
Yellow watercress (Rorippa brachycarpa, Russian name Zherushnik) behind reeds on a beach in Sestroretsk, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 8, 2016
Flowers of bittersweet nightshade (Solanum dulcamara, Russian name Paslion) behind reeds on a beach in Sestroretsk, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 8, 2016
Main road near a beach in Dubki Park in Sestroretsk, near Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 12, 2016
Shells of freshwater mussels and snails on a beach near guard station in Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, October 2, 2016
Granite stones on a beach of Gulf of Finland in Tarkhovka Park near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 22, 2017
Sand ripples on a beach near Sestroretsk, a suburb of Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 19, 2011
Gulf of Finland and a beach in Sestroretsk at windy day. Near Saint Petersburg, Russia, August 1, 2001
Flowers of water crowfoot (Batrachium circinatum, Russian name Shelkovnik) found on a beach between Solnechnoe and Sestroretsk, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 30, 2016
Seabeach sandwort (Honckenya peploides) in sand behind reeds on a beach in Sestroretsk, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 8, 2016
Common bonnet mushrooms (Mycena galericulata) on a fallen oak tree on a beach in Tarkhovka Park near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 22, 2017
Grey seal washed up on a beach near Sestroretsk, a suburb of Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 20, 2015
Road near a beach in Dubki Park in Sestroretsk, near Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 12, 2016
Small mushrooms Psilocybe inquilina (Deconica inquilina)(?) on decaying aquatic weeds on a beach in Tarkhovka near Sestroretsk. West from Saint Petersburg, Russia, August 15, 2017
Marsh Hedgenettle (Stachys palustris) on a beach near Sestroretsk. West from Saint Petersburg, Russia, July 20, 2012
Morning glory (Ipomoea) on a beach near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, June 30, 2011
Yellow Toadflax (Linaria vulgaris, Russian name Lnanka) on a beach near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, June 30, 2011
Celery-leaved buttercup (Ranunculus sceleratus, Russian name Liutik) in reeds on a beach in Sestroretsk, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 8, 2016
Common Winter Cress (Yellow Rocket, Barbarea vulgaris, Russian name Surepka) behind reeds on a beach in Sestroretsk, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 8, 2016
Flowers of meadow fleabane (Inula britannica, Russian name Deviasil) behind reeds on a beach in Sestroretsk, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 8, 2016
Marsh skullcap (Scutellaria galericulata, Russian name Shlemnik) behind reeds on a beach in Sestroretsk, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 8, 2016
Meadow fleabane (Inula britannica, Russian name Deviasil) behind reeds on a beach in Sestroretsk, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 8, 2016
Pineappleweed (Matricaria discoidea, Chamomilla suaveolens) behind reeds on a beach in Sestroretsk, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 8, 2016
Seashore dock (Rumex maritimus) behind reeds on a beach in Sestroretsk, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 8, 2016
Horseweed (Erigeron canadensis, Russian name Melkolepestnik) behind reeds on a beach in Sestroretsk, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 8, 2016
Flowers of seashore dock (Rumex maritimus) behind reeds on a beach in Sestroretsk, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 8, 2016
Flowers of European searocket (Cakile baltica, Cakile maritima subsp. baltica, Russian name Gorchitsa) behind reeds on a beach in Sestroretsk, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 8, 2016
Sheep s sorrel (Rumex acetosella, Russian name Shchavel) behind reeds on a beach in Sestroretsk, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 8, 2016
Common soapwort (Saponaria officinalis, Russian name Mylnianka) behind reeds on a beach in Sestroretsk, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 8, 2016
Close up of seabeach sandwort (Honckenya peploides) behind reeds on a beach in Sestroretsk, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 8, 2016
Colony of plants of seabeach sandwort (Honckenya peploides) in sand behind reeds on a beach in Sestroretsk, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 8, 2016
Blooming seabeach sandwort (Honckenya peploides) in sand behind reeds on a beach in Sestroretsk, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 8, 2016
Shells of swan mussels (Anodonta cygnea, Russian name Bezzubka) on a beach near coast guard station in Sestroretsk, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 8, 2016
Fruit of yellow water-lily (Nuphar lutea) found on a beach between Solnechnoe and Sestroretsk, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 30, 2016
Shells of freshwater mussels on a beach near guard station in Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, October 2, 2016
Winter rosette of leaves on a beach near Sestroretsk. West from Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 12, 2017
Goldmoss Stonecrop (Sedum acre, Russian name Ochitok) on a beach near Sestroretsk. West from Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 12, 2017
Iron oxides in water on a beach near Sestroretsk. West from Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 12, 2017
Iron oxides and bubbles in water on a beach near Sestroretsk. West from Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 12, 2017
Stony beach of Gulf of Finland in Tarkhovka near Sestroretsk. West from Saint Petersburg, Russia, August 15, 2017
Melanoleuca(?) mushrooms near a beach in Dubki Park. Sestroretsk near Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 5, 2017
White webcap mushroom (Leucocortinarius bulbiger) in a beach forest with oaks in Tarkhovka Park near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 22, 2017
Stony beach of Gulf of Finland in Tarkhovka Park near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 22, 2017
Boulders on a beach of Gulf of Finland in Tarkhovka Park near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 22, 2017
Common bonnet mushrooms (Mycena galericulata) on a fallen tree on a beach in Tarkhovka Park near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 22, 2017
Cluster of common bonnet mushrooms (Mycena galericulata) on a fallen tree on a beach in Tarkhovka Park near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 22, 2017
Lesser Stitchwort (Stellaria graminea) near a beach in Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 20, 2019
Forget-me-not flowers on a beach in Sestroretsk, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, July 30, 2016
Pink flower of red campion (Silene dioica, Melandrium rubrum, Russian name Drioma) near a beach in Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 20, 2019
Red campion (Silene dioica, Melandrium rubrum, Russian name Drioma) near a beach in Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 20, 2019
Ground ivy (gill-over-the-ground, Glecoma hederacea) near a beach in Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 20, 2019
Catkins of willow near a beach in Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 20, 2019
Torn fibrecap mushrooms (Inocybe lacera) on overgrown sandy beach near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 29, 2021
Underside of torn fibrecap mushrooms (Inocybe lacera) on overgrown sandy beach near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 29, 2021
Close-up of torn fibrecap mushrooms (Inocybe lacera) on overgrown sandy beach near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 29, 2021
Young torn fibrecap mushrooms (Inocybe lacera) on overgrown sandy beach near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 29, 2021
Common fieldcap mushrooms (Agrocybe pediades) in grass on a sandy beach (photo with flash) near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 29, 2021
Common fieldcap mushrooms (Agrocybe pediades) in grass on a sandy beach near bushes near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 29, 2021
Underside of common fieldcap mushrooms (Agrocybe pediades) in grass on a sandy beach near bushes near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 29, 2021
Close-up of common fieldcap mushrooms (Agrocybe pediades) in grass on a sandy beach near bushes near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 29, 2021
Flowers of a wild apple tree on a beach near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 29, 2021
Blooming wild apple tree on a beach near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 29, 2021
Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea, Russian name Burda pliushchevaya) on a beach near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 29, 2021
White dead-nettle (Lamium album, Russian name Glukhaya Krapiva) on a beach near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 29, 2021
Common soapwort (Saponaria officinalis, Russian name Mylnianka) on a beach in Sestroretsk, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, August 7, 2024
Seashore dock (Rumex maritimus) behind reeds on a beach in Sestroretsk, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, August 7, 2024
Green flowers of seashore dock (Rumex maritimus) behind reeds on a beach in Sestroretsk, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, August 7, 2024
Mudwort (Limosella aquatica, Russian name Luzhnitsa) in reeds on a beach in Sestroretsk, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, August 7, 2024
Tiny flowers and fruits of mudwort (Limosella aquatica) in reeds on a beach in Sestroretsk, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, August 7, 2024
Flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus, Russian name Krasnotsvet) in reeds on a beach in Sestroretsk, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, August 7, 2024
Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria, Russian name Derbennik) behind reeds on a beach in Sestroretsk, north-west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, August 7, 2024
Gulf of Finland coastline, with shallow waters and glacial boulders. Behind the rocky beach, there is a zone of Common Reed (Phragmites australis), which is ubiquitous along the Neva Bay coast. The trees include Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris)--the tall conifer with orange bark on the right--and Black Alder or Birch, which are typical for these damp, sandy soils. The pines here are often twisted by the strong westerly winds. Tarkhovka Park near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, October 3, 2025
Graffiti series, located on the concrete retaining wall separating the beach from the promenade along the Gulf of Finland (near the Sestroretsk Resort or "Kurort" area) which is a fanciful and nostalgic mural composition featuring whimsical animals and nature motifs. It is a more abstract section, featuring dynamic bursts of color (yellow, orange, and white) that resemble explosions, splashes, or perhaps stylized sunbeams breaking through clouds. These bright, energetic forms add a sense of movement to the otherwise static scenes. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 9, 2025
Graffiti series, located on the concrete retaining wall separating the beach from the promenade along the Gulf of Finland (near the Sestroretsk Resort or "Kurort" area) which is a fanciful and nostalgic mural composition featuring whimsical animals and nature motifs. This segment shows a yellow-orange cat perched comfortably on a tree branch. The surrounding trees are depicted with vertical, textured strokes, suggesting a dense birch or pine forest typical of the Karelian Isthmus. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 9, 2025
Graffiti series, located on the concrete retaining wall separating the beach from the promenade along the Gulf of Finland (near the Sestroretsk Resort or "Kurort" area) which is a fanciful and nostalgic mural composition featuring whimsical animals and nature motifs. This section features a large bear with a cub, rendered in a sketch-like style with soft shading. The bears are set against a background of rolling green hills and a cloudy sky, evoking a gentle, fairytale forest atmosphere. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 9, 2025
Graffiti series, located on the concrete retaining wall separating the beach from the promenade along the Gulf of Finland (near the Sestroretsk Resort or "Kurort" area) which is a fanciful and nostalgic mural composition featuring whimsical animals and nature motifs. A distinct horizontal band runs across part of the mural, depicting a long, grey commuter train (possibly an elektrichka) traveling through a green landscape. This element likely references the vital railway connection between St. Petersburg and the resort towns of the Kurortny District, a familiar sight for locals and visitors. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 9, 2025
Dark patterns on a beach in shallow waters that are a classic example of heavy mineral sorting (often called a "placer" formation). Heavy Mineral Patterns: Dark, flame-like streaks of black and purplish sand (magnetite, ilmenite, and garnet) sorted by wave action. Quartz-Feldspar Base: A background of lighter golden-brown sand composed of quartz and feldspar grains. Hydrodynamic Sorting: Intricate shapes created by the "swash and backwash" of waves, which wash away lighter grains and leave heavier minerals behind. Sestroretsk near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 9, 2025
Dark patterns on a beach in shallow waters that are a classic example of heavy mineral sorting (often called a "placer" formation). Heavy Mineral Streaks: The dark purplish-black areas are concentrated deposits of heavy minerals (magnetite, ilmenite, garnet). Light Mineral Patches: The beige/tan areas are the lighter quartz and feldspar sands. Flow Patterns: The sand is sculpted into fluid, wavy shapes ("swash marks"), showing exactly where water flowed and separated the grains based on density. Sestroretsk near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 9, 2025
Dark patterns on a beach in shallow waters that are a classic example of heavy mineral sorting (often called a "placer" formation). Gradient Effect: One can clearly see the "tail" of the sorting process, where the black mineral density decreases, creating a dusty or shadowed effect over the golden sand. Micro-relief: The lighter sand patches appear slightly raised or pillowy (like small dunes), while the darker heavy minerals settle into the troughs and lower edges, outlining the relief. Sestroretsk near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 9, 2025
Expansive view looking north-northwest from the southern end of the Sestroretsk coastline towards the Sestroretsk Resort (Kurort) and, further in the distance, the settlement of Solnechnoe (Sunny). The coastline curves gently inward. This specific geography near Sestroretsk causes the eastward littoral drift (sand movement) to weaken, resulting in a very wide, accretional beach (up to 140 meters wide) known for its fine sand and extensive dunes. The foreground shows a sandy spit or sandbar created by the outflow of water. The shallow water here creates the wide, calm pools seen in the foreground, which are popular with birds. Sestroretsk near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 9, 2025
