Our Alaska Inside Passage cruises are full of birds and photo opportunities. Semipalmated Plovers are one of many species that breed in the great state.

Offering an enticing target for a predator, this bird is trying to lure us away from its nest by faking a broken wing.

It worked, after a few photos we moved on so as not to disturb the bird any further. There was so much more to see in this wonderful habitat at the base of Baird's Glacier.

The glacial valley is still 'recovering' from the ice's scraping power with only a few organisms and plants retrning thus far. Lichens of many colors covered the rocks beginning a few hundred yards from the base of the glacier. Then soft, lush moss appeared a bit further away. Grasses and Dwarf Fireweed are the first flowering plants to appear before alders and spruces bgin to talke hold farther from the ice.

You can read more about the trip on our blog by clicking the BLOG link at the top of the page.

Our 2011 ALASKA Expedition Cruises are in the final planning stages. Click the image above to see some possibilities and keep checking back for the latest schedule of trips!