Azerbaijan's Devechi region, on the shores of the Caspian Sea, is poor in economic opportunities but rich in wildlife. RFE/RL Azerbaijani Service photographer Abbas Atilay joined a group of bird hunters on an early morning expedition to try to bring home dinner and supplement their incomes.
Hunting On The Caspian Coast

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These Azerbaijani hunters set out at 5 a.m. in search of waterfowl on the Caspian coast.

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Many species of ducks, coots, and geese live in the coastal area.

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The hunters wait patiently on wooden platforms in the shallow water.

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Some of the day's catch will be eaten right away. The rest will be sold at local markets.

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A hunter proudly wears the day's catch.