Lower Bay Soundscape Gallery

Glacier Bay's land and waters are filled with spectacular sounds.

 

• Humpbacks and Murrelets

  
  

  Massive whales and tiny seabirds. Both play important roles in the ecology of Glacier Bay. Listen as their voices combine to embellish the wild symphony.

  Credit / Author:

  H. Lentfer / NPS

  Audio Transcript

  A loud breath of a humpback whale breaks the water surface in a large spurt. Murrelets can be heard throughout the video, chirping in a calm yet squeaky, high pitched tone. Water can be heard rippling and bubbling near the recorder, likely the sound of water gently lapping at the recorder's kayak. Repeated breaths, short and long, some emitting a deep bursting sound as it breaks the water surface, some emitting a quiet, high-pitched whine, as they accompany the breath. Some breaths sound almost trumpet-like as they occur. The breaths continue and repeat, sounding like snorkels blowing water and air out of the seawater to give oxygen to the whale swimming by.
  At 19:19, a speaker, "mark."

 

• Leaping Salmon at Gloomy Knob

  
  

  Each summer the streams of Glacier Bay become a focal point. Following their ancient cycle, the salmon are returning home. Ravens, eagles, bears, and even wolves are ready and waiting for them. Put on a pair of headphones and join the frenzy!

  Credit / Author:

  H. Lentfer / NPS

  Audio Transcript

  "Here we go" - Person says as recording starts. Bubblying, swirling, slow moving water is ever present in this recording. The occasional splash marks a salmon breaking the surface and occasionally leaping fully out of the water. Bald eagles can be heard periodically as well as a passing raven or two.

 

• Beardslee Islands

  
  

  A popular destination for wilderness kayaking, the Beardslees provide easy access to some of Glacier Bay's best sounds!

  Credit / Author:

  H. Lentfer / NPS

  Audio Transcript

  Congregations of birds make repeated "woop" sounds in a high-pitched tone throughout the recording. The occasional gull chirp or call occur periodically. A common loon, black oystercatcher, glaucous-winged gull, and black-legged kittiwake can be identified. Spurts of breath are heard most likely from a passing harbor porpoise. Grunting occurs at random likely from a resting harbor seal.

 

• Morning in Sandy Cove

  
  

  Located in the mid-bay, Sandy Cove is a series of sheltered inlets. In addition to being a fabulous place to observe wildlife, this area also resonates with natural sounds. Now you can experience it too!

  Credit / Author:

  H. Lentfer / NPS

  Audio Transcript

  A soundscape recorded from a beach in Glacier Bay National Park near Sandy Cove. Water gently laps at the shore, this area is protected from large waves. A varied thrush is heard whistling repeatedly from a nearby forest's edge. Several additional songbirds tweet and sing throughout. Gulls, mostly black-legged kittiwakes and glacous winged gulls, cry out into the cove. The occasional cry of a sea otter pierces through the quiet. Quiet grunts can be heard occasionally from a distant sea lion rookery. Other animals cry out on occasion or sing a song that blends into the ocean/forest medley.