The Kenai Peninsula, south of Anchorage, proved to be a scenic wonder. Towering mountains, aqua-tinted glacier ice, Bald Eagles, and of course, whales! On our boat trip into the Kenai Fjords, we would see a swarm of seabirds on the surface of the sea, followed by a humpback whale surfacing in that very spot! We were so close; water from their blows misted over us. What could top that? We continued south, treated to views of puffins, rafts of Common Murres, and other seabirds. But that was not all. Just as we were about to turn for home, tall fins were spotted. Orca had not been seen in the area for several weeks, but suddenly a pod surfaced near us. They evidently decided to check us out and swam parallel to us for a short time, conveniently on my side of the boat.  The pod included several adults, a couple of juveniles, and two babies. One of those babes is spouting in this photo, slightly trailing the adults!

Sherry Kittrell

Alaska | Birding with Seminole Audubon