Hi, this is Capt. Mike from the Alaska nature charter boat “Exodus”. Over the next few months, I want to tell you about some of the fun and interesting happenings that we experienced on our voyages this summer in Southeast Alaska.
Huge male Killer Whale travelling in Icy Strait
Also, I will pass on interesting information about the marine mammals, birds, plants, tidewater life and portions of this magnifacent maritime area. This was an exciting and rewarding summer for both amatuer and professional photographers onboard Exodus. More than the average number of sunny days caused the plankton to bloom more. This inturn provided more food for small bait fish like herring , therefore much more herring for others like Salmon, Halibut , Harbor Porpoise, Bald Eagles and Humpback whales. Plus, Exodus provides a very stable photography platform. At the same time we are able to listen to the whalesongs thru our hydraphone. What a total sensory experience! As the whales get closer the volume increases. Sometimes it gets very very loud!
Hungry Humpback whales coordinate bubble net feeding together
On August 14th,while on a visit to Point Adolphus in Icy Strait, we observed an hour long intermingling of Stellar Sealions, Humpbacks and a pod of Orcas. Rarely do you witness these three species frolicing together. Especially, accompanied by their babies! The babies(calves) entertained themselves and us with continuous tail(fluke) splashing and breeching. On other occasions,near Hoonah Harbor and Icy Strait Point we observed and photographed Humpback whales bubblenet feeding. Some distance below the surface, the whales swim together in a circle while exhaling bubbles and rising toward the surface. The circle tightens and the whales,with their huge mouths wide open, explode simultaniously into the air. Little fish are flopping, sea gulls are diving and cameras are in rapidfire. Our photgraphers success rate is much higher with the new digital cameras. Our voyages also kept us in contact with several breeding pairs of Bald Eagles and their nestlings. The pairs mate for life and are constantly chattering, whistling and chirping to each other and often shoulder to shoulder from the same perch.
there is anabundance of Bald Eagles to photograph in June, July and August!
That is my report for now. It has snowed here at my Colorado cabin. So it is time to work on the wood pile. It won’t belong and I will be back at the Home Ranch getting our ski trails ready. I will keep you posted on more stories from Alaska! Happy Trails!! Capt. Mike
