If You´re Not Bubble Netting, You´re Not Doing It Right
- On December 27, 2011
- By Randall Tate
- In Stock, Wildlife
0
¨They´re bubble whating?¨ is the usual response when we tell someone what the whales in front of them are doing. ¨They are bubble netting.¨ It´s a complex feeding behavior that is seen in Alaska amongst humpback whales that come there in the summer to gorge on the bounty of sea soup in the water. Humpbacks feed mostly on tiny creatures such as plankton and krill, but sometimes they get an appetite for something larger, in particular, herring. That´s where the bubble netting comes in. These normally solitary Humpback whales join up and use teamwork to confuse and cordon off these small fish. Each member of the group has a set task and repeats that task over and over again during the feeding sessions. One whale will dive deep and then swim in circles back toward the surface while blowing bubbles. The others then begin swimming up through the rising bubble curtain. During this, some of the whales may flash their pectoral fins or let out a high pitched sort of scream to further disorientate the herring. Just before reaching the surface the whales open their mouths wide and engorge the herring. Needless to say, it´s a sight to see and something that is best witnessed. These photos show what it looks like at the surface as dozens of gulls fight for the scraps next to the humpbacks.
Read More»The Land of the Midnight Sun
- On December 13, 2011
- By Randall Tate
- In Commercial, Traveling
1
Alaska is a place that once you visit, it always pulls you back. I have not been able to resist its draw since I first visited there almost ten years ago. There’s just something about the diverse landscapes, the three hour long sunsets, the incredible native history and the diverse wildlife that always makes me feel like there is more to see and experience. Here are a few images from this past summer from southeast Alaska.
Read More»Da Bears
- On December 06, 2011
- By Randall Tate
- In Alaska, Commercial, Traveling, Wilderness, Wildlife
1
Bears are on the wishlist of wildlife to see for any visitor to Alaska and there’s no better place to see them than at Anan Creek. In fact, it may be one of the best bear viewing sites on the planet. There are not many places where can you see so many bears and be so close than at Anan. The only way to get there is by boat or float plane. Once there, you go ashore with a well armed guide and walk a quarter mile boardwalk to a multi-story viewing platform perched above the creek. During my visit, I didn’t want to leave. The bears are literally within arms reach and the photography opportunities are amazing. If you’ve seen a photo of a brown bear catching a salmon in mid air, it most likely was taken at Anan. A visit here is truly a life changing experience and I recommend it to anyone who visits SE Alaska. Here are a few photos from my visit this summer.
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