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Trip Report: Marine Wildlife of Alaska - May 2023
Trip Report: Marine Wildlife of Alaska - May 2023
by Trevor LaClair
Beauty Beyond Seward:
Have you ever felt the joy of seeing an orca for the first time or been mesmerized by spectacular landscapes as you venture out to sea? This is what you would expect on the Marine Wildlife of Alaska Photo Safari. Our story began in Anchorage, Alaska, with an early departure for Seward. It was a two-and-a-half-hour drive south into the Kenai Mountains where we had the added bonus of some moose photography. Our expedition was a lodge-based tour consisting of four voyages out to sea. After meeting our captain, we departed Seward and ventured out into Resurrection Bay to explore the beautiful, rocky coastline along Kenai Fjords National Park.
Have you ever felt the joy of seeing an orca for the first time or been mesmerized by spectacular landscapes as you venture out to sea? This is what you would expect on the Marine Wildlife of Alaska Photo Safari. Our story began in Anchorage, Alaska, with an early departure for Seward. It was a two-and-a-half-hour drive south into the Kenai Mountains where we had the added bonus of some moose photography. Our expedition was a lodge-based tour consisting of four voyages out to sea. After meeting our captain, we departed Seward and ventured out into Resurrection Bay to explore the beautiful, rocky coastline along Kenai Fjords National Park.
The weather was a bit moody during our first voyage. We had gray skies, scattered rain, and choppy seas. Luckily for us, we had a nice cabin to relax in to keep warm while sipping hot coffee. However, rain gear, gloves, and warm layers were definitely needed to remain comfortable while out on deck photographing wildlife.
Even though the weather might not have been ideal, it sure didn’t affect our wildlife sightings. Shortly after leaving the harbor, we saw our first jewel. A sea otter! The largest species of weasel in the world with the densest fur of any animal on earth. It is estimated that they have one million hairs per square inch, which is ideal for keeping them warm in the Alaskan seas. Especially since they can live their entire life without leaving the water. We circled the ball of fluff as it floated on its back and studied our actions. Like many other species on this trip, sea otters became a daily sighting.
Traveling further away from Seward, we saw our first cetacean…Orcas! Seward, Alaska offers many whale-watching opportunities throughout the summer, but late May is one of the best times to see killer whales as Resurrection Bay is one of their prime hunting spots. As time passes, and salmon runs increase, the orcas scatter along the Alaskan coastline, making them more difficult to spot. But during the Backcountry Journeys expedition, we managed to photograph killer whales every day! We even had a few approach the boat. One guest got sprayed by a spout as an orca surfaced alongside the boat. “That’s good luck!” yelled the captain. Who knew that being spit on by the world’s largest dolphin was good luck? Where do I sign up?
The captains then took us to Holgate Glacier, a tidal glacier that’s part of the Harding Icefield in Kenai Fjords National Park. Within the Holgate Arm in Aialik Bay, humpback whales were seen. We watched as the large, magnificent whales swam around hunting for small fish. During the breeding season, these whales spend their entire winter in Hawaii, before traveling to Alaska where they spend their summers in their feeding grounds. These 35-ton cetaceans are baleen whales who primarily feed on krill, copepods, and small fish. While hunting, they can gulp up to 500 gallons of water which they then filter through their baleen, trapping a smorgasbord within their mouths. Fascinating creatures!
After the first full day out at sea, the weather cleared presenting us with beautiful skies and calm waters for the rest of the week. Day two was an amazing day. We visited Aialik Glacier which proved to be a remarkable site. Within the past twenty-four hours, fresh ice chunks broke away from the glacier and drifted into Aialik Bay. Large pieces of ice bounced off the bow as we pushed our way through the floating ice chunks. It felt like an Arctic expedition! Harbor seals took refuge on the floating sheets of ice and temperatures dropped as we approached the tidal glacier. Mountain goats were seen along the seaside cliffs and kayakers paddled their way along the rocky coast. It was a breathtaking site with plenty of photography opportunities.
Day three of our expedition was heavily focused on sea birds. We saw a variety of species such as murres, murrelets, gulls, kittiwakes, eagles, puffins, and more! While scouting, we watched a bald eagle as it dove into the water to catch a fish. However, its prey was too big and the bird failed to take off. The large raptor then used its seven-foot wingspan to row itself to shore. The eagle swam for nearly a quarter mile before climbing onto the rocky bank with the fish in its talons. Then the real action began. More eagles appeared hoping to steal the fish. One dove toward the feasting eagle. The bird leaped into the air and locked talons creating a feathered frenzy as they screamed at each other. Defeated. The pirate then attempted to steal the catch a second time but was once again unsuccessful. After an exhausting swim and raging battle, the victor managed to hold its ground and feast on its trophy. That was an incredible show nature rewarded us with.
Other than the eagles, the horned and tufted puffins were also fun birds to photograph. While in flight, these fast-moving birds sped past the boat and alongside the cliffs. Hundreds of images were captured with the hopes of getting one clear shot. We spent many hours chasing the birds with our lenses. We were determined to not give up until we got at least one good shot. It was a game of patience, persistence, and quick reflexes. The key was to look for repeating flight patterns while focusing on a single area rather than trying to twirl around like a ballerina as the birds flew circles around us.
During our three days of breathtaking views and mystical wonders, we captured thousands of images of both wildlife and landscape. Steller’s sea lions were along the rocky coast or small, isolated islands. Mountain goats foraged along the seaside cliffs. Black bears munched the vegetation near the shoreline. So many great photography opportunities for both wide-angle and telephoto lenses. During our final full day, we returned to Holgate Glacier to photograph more humpback whales. During the voyage, a pod of Dall’s porpoises excitedly joined us and played in the current near the bow of the boat. They were fun, energetic animals who were splashing about as we photographed and filmed their playfulness. Their dynamic behavior definitely brought joy to our hearts, making it nearly impossible to not smile. After about ten minutes, the porpoises moved on and our expedition continued.
The Alaskan Marine Wildlife expedition turned out to be a photographer's dream. We encountered so many animals and had a great time bonding during the voyages. After a full day out at sea, exhaustion overtook us as we returned to the harbor one last time. We then concluded the week-long expedition with a fancy dinner and a long drive back to Anchorage. If you love voyages and marine wildlife, then I would highly recommend this Backcountry Journeys marine wildlife expedition.
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AUTHOR
AUTHOR
Trevor LaClair is an explorer who is passionate about nature photography. After growing up in Missouri, Trevor ventured across the country guiding in different places, including the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem where he spent his free time tracking grizzlies and watching wolves.
After receiving his Bachelors in Fisheries and Wildlife from the University of Missouri, Trevor obtained a Masters in Biology from Miami University. During the past few years, Trevor has had epic adventures exploring places such as Komodo National Park, British Columbia, Serengeti, and the Great Barrier Reef. He loves playing outside and going on epic adventures. His mission is to inspire people around the world to appreciate nature and conserve this planet’s natural wonders. Through entertainment and education, Trevor uses the power of media to bring viewers on global adventures. You can follow Trevor LaClair on his adventures by checking out his website trekkingwithtrevor.com
After receiving his Bachelors in Fisheries and Wildlife from the University of Missouri, Trevor obtained a Masters in Biology from Miami University. During the past few years, Trevor has had epic adventures exploring places such as Komodo National Park, British Columbia, Serengeti, and the Great Barrier Reef. He loves playing outside and going on epic adventures. His mission is to inspire people around the world to appreciate nature and conserve this planet’s natural wonders. Through entertainment and education, Trevor uses the power of media to bring viewers on global adventures. You can follow Trevor LaClair on his adventures by checking out his website trekkingwithtrevor.com
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BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
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All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.