Alaska in Springtime?
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Apr 3, 2009 | by Kevin Loughlin
Most travelers hoping to visit Alaska plan their trips during the summer months in hopes of warm weather. However, springtime in Alaska offers incredible opportunities to view wildlife as the herring spawn gets into full swing. This event that spans up to three weeks attracts not only Bald Eagles feeding on the fish and gulls feeding on the eggs and fish scraps, it also attracts many sea mammals.
The Steller’s Sea Lions feed on the shallow herring, herding them into huge, frantic balls of silver near the surface of the bays as the eagles dive on them, grabbing talon’s full. In the deeper water the Humpback Whales bubble-net feed corralling the fish with a curtain of air and taking huge, gulping lunges. Transient Orcas patrol in search of lounging, belly-full sea lions — the local Orcas feed strictly on fish.
Brown Bears are coming out of hibernation at this time, snuffling along the edge of the forest in search of succulent roots of skunk cabbage and other plants. Migration is in full swing with waterfowl, passerines and Sandhill Cranes all in good numbers.
The days are getting longer, the great, low-angle lights lasts for long periods. Summer is a great time of year, but springtime in Alaska is and always will be my favorite time!
There is still an opportunity to join us and save $1000 per person off our regular cruise price on May 1 – 10, 2009. We have 4 just spaces left!
photos © Kevin Loughlin