Our day began in a deep fog as National Geographic Sea Bird cast off from Bartlett Cove with two additional guests. Joining us were Park Ranger Marylou Blakeslee and Tlingit Cultural Interpreter Irene Lampe. Marylou and Irene greatly enriched our understanding and appreciation of this World Heritage Site.
South Marble Island is a haven for sea birds and Steller sea lions. The roars and smells of the sea lions heralded our approach to the island. Captain Coughlin deftly maneuvered our nimble ship to provide us with outstanding views of tufted puffins, common murres, harlequin ducks, black-legged kittiwakes and other birds, along with sea lions and sea otters. Ground nesting sea birds typically nest on islands or cliff faces to avoid egg and chick predation by terrestrial predators.
Heading into the heart of Glacier Bay, Marylou and Irene oriented us to the park and provided us with a base of natural and cultural history. Turning into Tidal Inlet tour ship slowed, a sign that something of special interest might be at hand. Ready with cameras, binoculars and anticipation, we gathered on deck to watch a brown bear working its way along the barnacle encrusted rocks lining the shoreline. Followed by northwestern crows looking for an easy meal, the bear turned over large rocks looking for tasty treats. Brown bears are the same species as grizzly bears. Coastal grizzlies are typically referred to as brown bears. With salmon, beached whales and other marine food sources, brown bears are typically larger than interior grizzlies.
Gloomy Knob is a gray dolomitic rock outcropping with relatively little vegetation. Because of the steep topography, it is a preferred habitat of mountain goats. Living here offers protection from predators such as bears and wolves. While the predators are strong climbers, they cannot match the skills of the goats. We spotted mountain goats, including a nanny and kid. An occupied bald eagle nest, in the middle of a Sitka spruce tree, added to the scene.
Continuing towards the glaciers, the weather began to lift. Clouds hugging the contours of the surrounding mountains replaced the fog and mist. We passed more and more ice in the water. Hillside vegetation became sparse. In the distance, the contrasting Grand Pacific and Margerie Glaciers appeared.
