Black-Legged Kittiwakes - Tarr Inlet

3 black-legged kittiwakes, 2 stand on a floating ice chunk in reflective water, the 3rd flies away.

Vertical cliffs tower above Tarr Inlet, supporting a summer breeding colony of black-legged kittiwakes. These petite gulls display crisp white plumage, gray wings tipped in black, black legs, and bright yellow bills. Their survival depends on glacial mechanics: icebergs knocked loose by calving glaciers from Margerie provide perching platforms, while the impact stuns fish, shrimp, and krill to the surface. The eroding glacier literally provides both their nest and their dinner.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 59.02639593285303,-137.04969848077195
Accessibility: Water-based access only; boats provide observation from water level. No shore access or trails. Accessible to visitors with mobility limitations if tour operator provides accessible boat features.

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: false

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Margerie Glacier, Johns Hopkins Glacier, Muir Inlet, Bartlett Cove Beach Rocks, Beardslee Islands
Nearby Facilities: Bartlett Cove Campground nearby; limited lodging in Gustavus; fuel dock at Bartlett Cove
Best Time To Visit: Late May through August (nesting season). Peak visibility and activity in July. Off-season access limited by weather and services.
Tips Advice: Watch for birds on cliff faces; use binoculars for detail
Look for icebergs—they provide perching platforms for hunting
Early morning = best light for photography and bird activity
Maintain 25-yard minimum distance from all wildlife per park regulations
Check weather before boating; coastal conditions can change rapidly
The birds feed on fish stunned by falling glacier; watch the water surface
Insider Tips: Peak breeding activity July; chicks fledge late August
Glacier calving most active during warm afternoons
Binoculars essential; birds visible from 100+ yards
Tour boats pass within 100 yards; stay aboard to avoid disturbance
Quiet observation yields better bird activity (engine off when possible)

More details

Park Area: Tarr Inlet
Family Friendly Notes: Suitable for families on stable tour boats; long boat rides may challenge young children. Viewing from secure boat platform; close supervision required. Weather-dependent; cancellations common in poor conditions.
Recent Updates: Kittiwake nesting locations vary year to year; check current visitor center bulletin boards at Bartlett Cove for current season distribution
Attraction Type: Wildlife Viewing Site
Elevation Feet: 0
Distance From Entrance: Boat access from Bartlett Cove; 35-45 miles depending on boat route
Accessibility Level: Boat required; accessible only by tour boat or private vessel
How To Get There: Access via boat from Bartlett Cove. Most visitors join NPS ranger-led or commercial tour boats departing from Bartlett Cove Dock. Private boat access available for experienced mariners with proper navigation equipment.
Parking Availability: Parking at Bartlett Cove lot; fills by mid-morning in peak season
Road Type: No road access; Bartlett Cove accessible by vehicle via unpaved road from Gustavus
Seasonal Access: Open late May through early September. Winter access extremely limited; coastal conditions prohibitive.
Entry Fees: No entrance fee at Glacier Bay National Park. Tour boat fees vary by operator.
Main Features: Vertical glacier-carved cliffs; summer kittiwake nesting colony; proximity to Margerie Glacier; iceberg perching platforms
What Youll See: Black-legged kittiwakes on cliff faces; icebergs in the water; Margerie Glacier calving in distance; white plumage contrasting against dark rock face
Unique Characteristics: Kittiwakes exploit glacier calving to access food; nesting colony in one of North America's most dynamic glaciated systems; direct observation of predator-prey coupling with glacial processes
Safety Considerations: Cliff faces are unstable; do not land or approach on foot. Iceberg navigation hazardous; keep boat distance per NPS guidelines. Cold saltwater exposure risk. Maintain 25-yard minimum distance from wildlife. Weather can change rapidly; coastal capsizing risk.
Best Viewpoints: Viewing platform or rail on tour boats; natural observation point from water level during approach to Tarr Inlet
Photo Opportunities: Early morning light on cliff faces; birds in flight; icebergs with birds perched on them; glacier in background
Photography Spots: Bow or stern of boat during approach to Tarr Inlet; early morning light optimal
Sunrise Sunset Quality: Dramatic due to high latitude; extended daylight in June-July allows early morning and late evening viewing
Visitor Center Present: false
Restrooms Available: false
Picnic Areas: false
Interpretive Signs: false
Cell Service: No reliable cell service in Tarr Inlet
Water Available: false
Guided Tours Available: true
Trailheads Here: None; water-access only location
Connecting Trails: No connecting trails; access by water only
Nearby Services: Fuel, food, lodging, and supplies in Gustavus (12 miles by road). Limited services at Bartlett Cove.
Common Wildlife: Black-legged kittiwakes, harbor seals, humpback whales, sea otters, bald eagles
Best Wildlife Times: Late May through August for kittiwakes (nesting and fledging). July peak for breeding activity.
Geological Formation Type: Glacial Cliff (Tidewater Glacier Substrate)
Scientific Interest: Visible interaction between tidewater glacier erosion, cliff development, and wildlife adaptation. Direct observation of glacial calving impact on food web and species survival strategy.
Road Opening Dates: Bartlett Cove access typically opens late May as services resume
Snow Lingering: Nearby peaks retain snow into July; seasonal snowmelt affects glacier flow and calving intensity
Winter Access: Closed to most visitors; only experienced boaters with proper equipment and safety plan may attempt access
Best Visit Times: Early morning for light and bird activity; weekdays less crowded than weekends in July-August
Best Season: Late May through August (nesting season)
Weather Patterns: Afternoon fog common; wind increases afternoon. Rain frequent. Calm mornings ideal for boating and wildlife viewing.
Peak Fill Times: Tour boats fill mid-morning in July; early booking recommended
Busiest Season: July (peak nesting); late June and early August also popular
Fishing Nearby: false
Swimming Allowed: false
Boating Allowed: true
Climbing Areas: false
Review Summary: Visitors appreciate the dramatic cliff setting and glacier backdrop. The combination of nesting seabirds, calving glacier, and icebergs creates a memorable experience. Most visitors understand they are witnessing wildlife tightly coupled to glacial processes. Weather and boat access remain primary logistical challenges.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Will I see kittiwakes nesting?

Yes, during late May through August. Nesting birds are visible on vertical cliff faces. Peak breeding activity occurs in July, with chicks fledging late August.

Can I get close to the birds?

No. Maintain 25-yard minimum distance per park regulations to avoid disturbance. Tour boats typically remain 100+ yards from cliffs. Binoculars provide excellent detail from this distance.

What if weather is bad?

Boat tours frequently cancel due to wind, fog, or rain. Early-season (May-June) and late-season (late August-September) trips have higher cancellation rates. July offers most stable weather.

Can I kayak here?

Kayaking in Tarr Inlet is not recommended for inexperienced paddlers due to tidal currents, icebergs, and exposure. Join a tour boat instead or hire a guide experienced in glacier-bay navigation.

Why do birds nest on such sheer cliffs?

Predator avoidance. Vertical cliffs deter land predators. Icebergs provide safe perching for hunting fish stunned by glacier calving. The risks of cliff nesting are offset by access to abundant food and protection.

What's the best time to see calving?

Afternoon calving is most active during warm sunny weather. Tour boats typically depart morning/early afternoon. Evening sun (available in June-July) also produces dramatic calving events.