Last updated: April 7, 2021
Place
Seabirds - South Marble Island
NPS Photo
Seabirds of all kinds flock to Glacier Bay in summer. Birds such as the Glaucous-winged gull (Larus glaucescens) are a common sight in the bay, and some remain through winter. Rare birds such as the parakeet auklet (Aethia psittacula) have been seen in Glacier Bay as well. For a full list of birds in the park, check out the Glacier Bay bird checklist, and remember to print it and bring it with you on your next voyage into the bay!
South Marble Island is a fantastic place to find numerous different species of seabirds. South Marble Island is a sensitive nesting area for many seabird species, including ground-nesting crested puffins. Gulls, murrelets, loons, cormorants, jaegers, and phalaropes are just a few of the species that can be found in Glacier Bay. Why are seabirds so prevalent here? Sitakaday Narrows is the pinch point that all water must pass through to enter or exit Glacier Bay with the tides. Combined with an area of shallow water, water becomes very turbulent in Sitakaday Narrows, stirring up nutrients and fish that seabirds depend on, making it an extremely productive ecosystem.
*Location note: The location chosen for seabirds is for illustrative purposes only. Seabirds can be found throughout Glacier Bay! Stay wildlife aware, and never approach wild animals.
South Marble Island is a fantastic place to find numerous different species of seabirds. South Marble Island is a sensitive nesting area for many seabird species, including ground-nesting crested puffins. Gulls, murrelets, loons, cormorants, jaegers, and phalaropes are just a few of the species that can be found in Glacier Bay. Why are seabirds so prevalent here? Sitakaday Narrows is the pinch point that all water must pass through to enter or exit Glacier Bay with the tides. Combined with an area of shallow water, water becomes very turbulent in Sitakaday Narrows, stirring up nutrients and fish that seabirds depend on, making it an extremely productive ecosystem.
Learn more about the birds of Glacier Bay
*Location note: The location chosen for seabirds is for illustrative purposes only. Seabirds can be found throughout Glacier Bay! Stay wildlife aware, and never approach wild animals.