Glacier Bay National Park
The National Geographic Sea Lion entered Glacier Bay National Park in the early morning hours and proceeded to the dock at Bartlett Cove. At 0600 Ranger/Naturalist Emma and Cultural Interpreter Alice embarked to spend the day with us to relate the interesting story of Glacier Bay, known by the Tlingit people as “The Bay in Place of the Glacier”.
We paused at South Marble Island to observe the many bird species that nest and rest here. Two species of puffins, pelagic cormorants, black-legged kittiwakes, glaucous-winged gulls, common murres, pigeon guillemots, and black oystercatchers were identified. Gregarious Steller sea lions were also in attendance here; a mostly-male haul-out site for those not in the breeding pool this year. Their argumentative roars and growls could be heard at a distance. A few sea otters and humpback whales were also seen as we cruised up the bay.
Sharp eyes spied mountain goats on Gloomy Knob, an exotic gray mass of marble infused with basalt dikes and sporting sparse vegetation. The open habitat makes it easier to spot wildlife and the goats are safe from predators on the precipitous cliffs.
Shortly afterwards, a couple of killer whales were spotted! We immediately identified a well-known whale of the area called T-2 (AKA AL40), recognized by his tall dorsal fin that droops to the left. He was traveling with another mature male whale who we found in the catalogue as AO1. We watched and cruised along with them up-bay until we broke away toward the narrow channel on the east side of Russell Island.
Searching along the shoreline, we saw a brown bear emerge from the shrubbery and amble down to the water’s edge. Turning over rocks as he went, he collected a following of crows and ravens interested in the left-overs. It is an ideal situation when we can quietly observe an animal from the comfort and safety of the ship while not disturbing it.
Continuing to the northwest we picked our way through silty, ice-strewn water and approached the Grand Pacific and Margerie Glaciers at the end of Tarr Inlet, just a short distance from the border with British Columbia, Canada. We were blocked by the river of ice that once filled the channel, extending sixty five miles behind us just 250 years ago. Margerie Glacier is an active tidewater glacier that shows lovely hues of blue between its towering seracs and deep crevasses. From out on the decks of the ship we were lucky today to experience “White Thunder” as ice broke off the face of the glacier and crashed into the water below with a big splash and a thunderous roar.
The young people on board were kept busy with many activities during the day and at recap Ranger Emma swore-in four new Junior Rangers who promised to take care of all National parks. It was a memorable day for them and for all others who learned about the dynamic drama of Glacier Bay National Park.
