ALASKA: Baird’s Glacier

This glacial valley was carved only recently (in geological time) and the many floods from ice dam breaks has continued to slow the growth of plants that will eventually take over. The glacier itself, seen in the distance, has not receded much in recent years, however, its height has dropped dramatically. A few years ago when we walked up onto the moraine, we needed to take a few step up onto the ice, now we walk down the moraine about 20 feet to get to the ice!

On higher ground where the flood waters and tide have not reached, mosses, lichens and fungi were the first to take hold. Followed by the first flowering plants, Dwarf Fireweed, and grasses. The Alders are a very recent addition.

All the colors make for some fun photo opportunities!

Shorebirds use this wonderful habitat for nesting. This Least Sandpiper was very cooperative.

This Semipalmated Plover used the “fake broken wing act” to draw us away from its nest.

This image show remnants of a Mew Gull egg and nest not far from where the plover was dancing.

 Arctic Terns flew overhead… this one bringing food back to a nest.

Graceful flyers they would often stop and hover allowing wonderful views. Arctic Terns have the longest migration of any bird. After their breeding season in the far north they wing it all the way to Antarctica!