After the
usual polar bear sweep, passengers began coming ashore and exploring a bit. A highlight
for many of the folks I spoke to were the birds nesting in the cliffs above the
landing beach. Hundreds of Guillemots and Kittiwakes were nesting on the cliff
walls, and fulmars and an occasional puffin flew by, high above the ground
where a small arctic fox was running around in search of its next meal. It was
a rather curious fox, and was very interested in our backpacks, running from
one side of the landing site to the other, investigating his visitors. After
returning to the ship under a sunny sky, we set off for a special site where
whales are often spotted.
As the
Captain and Crew were introduced, whale spouts were began being spotted in the
distance. We had reached the “Drop-off”, where whales come to feed during the
summer months. The observation lounge and outside decks provided a spectacular
view of the show that was unfolding before everyone on board. Humpback and
Minke whales, among others, were feeding in an area with lots of upwelling. The
steep rise in sea level, combined with a strong ocean current push nutrient rich water to the surface, in
the process known as upwelling; which in turn provide the essential nutrients
for algae and small organisms to grow on which these large marine mammals live
off. For nearly 45 minutes, a group of about a dozen humpback whales stayed
just off the bow and fed while we floated quietly. It was an amazing experience,
and perfect way to end the day, to be able to hear their vocalizations and loud
breaths when they came up for air under the midnight sun.
