Sea otter and pup

Technically, spring has arrived in the Alaskan Interior, but winter is rather reluctant to let go.  So for the past three years I have left home in the first week of April to see if spring is having any better luck taking hold along the coast-about a hundred miles away as the raven flies.  I am not disappointed. Spring is in full swing.  But the weather along the coast is, as usual wet and windy.  So once again I settle into a familiar routine, hanging out in a sheltered bay where sea otters congregate during unsettled weather and indulging in the very enjoyable task of observing and photographing the gentle and photogenic sea otters.

Sea otter inhabit the immense and spectacular coastal waters of Alaska.

Old man in the wilderness.

Sea otter courtship can take place any time of the year.

A nursing pup.

“Just relaxin”

Mother and pup on the rocky shoreline.