I’ve been having such fun sharing posts from our Alaskan adventure, but I think it’s safe to say that I definitely saved the best for last!

On our final day in Homer, we booked a full day outing with Seaman’s Ecotour Adventures to explore the Kachemak Bay and its surrounding coves and inlets. The guide and boat captain of our “cruise for two” was a delightful man named Glenn Seaman who was the perfect combination of being both knowledgeable and personable.

Glenn knew that I was a blogging birdnerd, and that we were hoping to see some birds, but that we also wanted to see whatever beauty or wildlife he wanted to share with us. He took us first to an area that is an otter hangout, where we saw several of these cute (but not cuddly!) creatures swimming about with their pups.

Then we drifted past some Horned Puffins…

…although I’m thinking there must be a typo in “horned” – because, yes, they are doing what you think they are doing!

We saw a Tufted Puffin as well, who was lovely, but not nearly as entertaining as his more enthusiastic relatives!

As we continued exploring the Bay, we noticed some Bald Eagles along the shore, and one of them was making a meal out of the remains of some small mammal.

Another Eagle flew in, and, after a brief skirmish, snatched some of the spoils…

…and took it back to share with his mate.

But the highlight of the trip was when Glenn took us to a cove where there were nesting Eagles, and he brought along some “eagle treats” – aka 10 pounds of frozen herring!

It was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!
Like really, dream-come-true amazing!

Once word got out that there was free fish to be found, we had about ten Eagles hanging around. They would fly overhead, often doing in-air acrobatic maneuvers to get the best angle to swoop down for a fish.

Then they would quickly dive toward the water with their talons extended, an incredible display of grace paired with power.

I’d say nine out of ten times they emerged with a successful grab.

But every once in awhile, one would miss and then – still dripping – turn back around to try and get another look.

Sometimes there was stiff competition as they raced to get the prize!

Just to give you and idea of how close we were and what the action was like, here’s a video hubby took on his phone.

When it was time for lunch, we made our way to Halibut Cove, which has a population of about a dozen people, but somehow still has a dockside coffee (and milkshake) shop! We had packed a cooler of sandwiches and Glenn brought along some smoked salmon dip that was delicious.

We had to laugh at the illustration showing the process it takes to keep the coffee flowing at Halibut Cove! Not quite as simple as working at Starbucks!

After lunch, we refueled on gas and herring and went back for another session with the Eagles. It was like one National Geographic moment…

…after another…

…after another!

There are so many pictures that I wanted to include, but this post was already long, so I’m just gonna end with a gallery that you can click on if you’re not yet bored of Eagle beauty!

This was one of those adventures that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I never dreamed I would have such an up close encounter with these beautiful birds!
And if you ever get to Homer, Alaska – book a day trip with Seaman’s Ecotour Adventures – you will love every minute of it!