birdwatching
Hummingbirds in Alaska
We started keeping a hummingbird feeder on the David B a few summers ago. We often had hungry birds coming to the boat and checking out all the red things on deck. One time a tired one arrived that was too weak to fly up to the feeder. We set the feeder on a chair next to the bird. It regained its strength and a few minutes later it buzzed off. We love these small visitors and appreciate the way they help us connect with nature and care for the world around us.
For more information visit any of our Alaska itinerary pages like this one for our Juneau to Petersburg 8-day tour.
Four Eagles
We came across a large group of bald eagles in the middle of Stephens Passage. There were maybe 30-40 flying over a school of fish. Eagles everywhere were swooping talons first into the water to snatch fish. It was an incredible sight. One eagle ended up with the water and was immediately swarmed by other eagles. We weren’t sure what would happen. After several tries the eagle got air and quickly sped away with the fish in its talons.
Just Remember to Look Up
I was walking along a mud flat at low tide with a group of guests when I spotted several greater yellowlegs standing on a small rise that was surrounded by a tidepool. I stopped to point them out and talk a bit about their pretty call and how they feed on small fish and insects. As we watched the yellowlegs wade and forage in the shallow water, a bald eagle flew overhead attracting the attention of this bird. Just a small reminder from our friend the Greater Yellowlegs to remember to occasionally look up.
-Christine