I'm traveling to the Wildlife Society meeting in Anchorage in mid-September (20th-27th) and have planned three extra days for photography. I was wondering if anyone had advice on where to go to see/photograph wildlife? I've been to Denali once before and was hoping to stay in the Anchorage/Kenai area, though I'm not opposed to doing some driving. I understand I could find some brown bear cleaning up what's left of the salmon on the Russian River, and I know Homer is good for Bald Eagles, but haven't received much advice past that.
I should note, I'm traveling with a friend and we plan on camping, though we will have a rental car so we can move around during the day.
Posted by Ron Niebrugge on August 29, 2006 at 1:33 AM
The Russian River is worth checking out. It has been such a big salmon run that fish are everywhere, which allows the bears to be a bit picky as to time and place. I was out there today – there had been a bear at the Falls 5 minutes before we got there, but I didn’t see any while there. Same for last Friday, didn’t see any bears. The campground host mentioned the activity had really fallen off the last two weeks. It had been pretty good before that, at least the couple times I was there.
Homer doesn’t have much in the way of Eagles until December. Your best bet for Eagles would be Seward (Res. River Valley towards Exit Glacier), or along the Kenai River. There should be lots of swans on the Kenai Peninsula by then, I’m already seeing plenty.
If I were you, I would take a boat tour into Kenai Fjords. That is the time of year the super pods can appear. I have seen as many of 50 to 60 whales at the time of year in one spot. Unfortunately puffin and most other birds will be gone, as will most Humpbacks, but one super pod can make the trip. Goats and black bears on the Harding Icefield trial can be good then as well.
If it's wet, three days is plenty of time to cause moisture problems while camping with camera gear. I'd be very disiplined about moisture control, plus pack several large dessicant pillows- one for each night to thoroughly dry your gear. I don't have a current source, but long ago glommed onto some 1 lb pillows used for shipping large electronics gear. Mine are "rechargeable" by cooking them in an oven, so I haven't stayed current on sources.
Posted by Ron Niebrugge on August 29, 2006 at 12:24 PM
Yes, the tours into Kenai Fjords originate out of Seward. You might have to do some checking around as some / most of them may be closed down by then. Historically, Renown Charters has operated the latest – actually they used to run all winter – you might try them first. Kenai Fjords Tours and Major Marine are the other major operators. They all have websites that should tell you more.
Discussion
5 repliesI should note, I'm traveling with a friend and we plan on camping, though we will have a rental car so we can move around during the day.
Any advice would be great!
Cheers,
Jeremy
Traveling with:
Rebel XT
300 F4L
70-200 F2.8
50 F1.8
18-55
Homer doesn’t have much in the way of Eagles until December. Your best bet for Eagles would be Seward (Res. River Valley towards Exit Glacier), or along the Kenai River. There should be lots of swans on the Kenai Peninsula by then, I’m already seeing plenty.
If I were you, I would take a boat tour into Kenai Fjords. That is the time of year the super pods can appear. I have seen as many of 50 to 60 whales at the time of year in one spot. Unfortunately puffin and most other birds will be gone, as will most Humpbacks, but one super pod can make the trip. Goats and black bears on the Harding Icefield trial can be good then as well.
Be prepared, that can be a wet time of year.
Thanks again!
Jeremy
Ron: I'll start surfing the web for tours. Thanks again for the information!
Cheers,
Jeremy