Alaska has bought to be probably the most unimaginable place to look at wildlife. In simply 24 hours, I spot humpback whales, bald eagles and sea otters
KACHEMAK BAY
My information, Joe Chmeleck, who owns The Lodge at Otter Cowl https://lodgeottercove.com/ was assured that in simply someday I might see loads. I didn’t wish to waste a minute, so with Joe as my information we set off from Otter Cove within the Kachemak Bay State Park at 4.30am to look first for bald eagles.
BALD EAGLES
Bald eagles roost collectively in giant numbers, and Tutka Bay Lagoon is an ideal place for a communal eagle roost. It’s sheltered from the wind and teeming with pink salmon for these large birds to feast on. Certain sufficient as we method, their white heads recognizing the darkish forest like Christmas decorations, are dozens and dozens of eagles.
EAGLE JUVENLIES
The juveniles are fascinating to see as a result of they don’t have the attribute white feathers on their heads – these develop in when they’re about 3 and a half years previous.
EAGLE EYRIE
However I actually wish to see bald eagle chicks so Joe sails on to the place he is aware of of a bald eagle nest, generally known as an eyrie. The chicks listed below are between eight and 10 weeks previous – virtually greater than their mom. Eagles share the care of their chicks, with the feminine spending most of her time on the nest and the male bringing in meals. Apparently, we watched this male herald moss. Bald eagles use the identical nest yr after yr and easily high it up with comforts every time.
SEA OTTERS
After having fun with the eagles, we headed again to Otter Cove to search for sea otters. Sea otters are mustelids, a part of the weasel household, they usually group collectively within the water in ‘rafts’. We see 10 collectively in a single raft, however some can have as many as a thousand people. Rafts are often all one intercourse, and with pups right here, this can be a group of females.
SEA OTTER PUPS
In Alaska pups are usually born in late spring, so these are only some months previous. Their mums nurse them on high-fat milk, just like seal milk, and carry them on their chests to guard them from the chilly water.
SEA OTTER SKILLS
Sea otters eat a variety of fish, molluscs, and crustaceans and are one in every of only some species that use instruments. Watch as one makes use of a favorite rock to crack open the shells of crabs, snails and shellfish. They’re identified to maintain this rock in a fold beneath their armpit, in order that they don’t lose it.
HUMPBACK WHALES
As we head again out to sea, there’s nonetheless yet one more species to see. Gulls circling above the water are an indication there are whales trying to find fish beneath. And certain sufficient a whale breaches, utilizing its highly effective tail fin to launch out of the water. Whales must breath air, resurfacing each couple of minutes and so when you’ve noticed one you’ll be able to comply with it. After they journey at velocity, they keep near the floor to breathe extra simply. This is called porpoising.
BREACHING HUMPBACKS
Humpbacks might be seventeen metres lengthy and weigh as much as 30 tonnes. Analysis suggests the slap of water they make after they breach may very well be a ‘social sound’, serving to teams talk over lengthy distances.
SUN SETS ON WILD ALASKA
Because the solar units a fiery pink, I mirror on my 24 hours. I’ve seen a once-in-a-lifetime humpback whale show, I’ve watched bald eagle chicks of their nest and loved shut ups of otters with their lovable cubs. This actually is a magical place.
#alaska #seaotters #robertefuller