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Alaska is a rugged, wild and spectacularly beautiful place that provides home at least part of the year to some 474 documented species of birds. A vast wilderness of snow-capped mountains and wide glacially carved valleys, tidal flats and forests, rivers and lakes, alpine tundra and glaciated peaks provide habitat for a diversity of birds. Birds travel to Alaska from all over the world to breed during the short arctic summer and to feast in the abundance of available food. Alaska’s 33,904-mile coastline boasts fjords, estuaries, bays, rocky and sandy beaches, and extensive mudflats that provide fuel to migrating shorebirds and waterfowl. Millions of nesting seabirds can be found along the rugged coastline of southeast Alaska and the Aleutian Archipelago. These rookeries are a delight to birder’s who come to watch the thousands of murres, kittiwakes, gulls, and puffins. In addition, Alaska’s expansive tundra provides nesting habitat for millions of migratory species such as tundra and trumpeter swans, emperor geese, brants, ducks and terns. Just as spectacular to view are the bald eagles which gather in the thousands every year to feed on salmon in Haines. In addition to the millions of migratory birds that make Alaska their home for part of the year, Alaska hosts many specialty birds. These specialty birds include all five species of loons, four species of eiders, three species of Ptarmigan, Pacific and American Golden Povers, Hudsonian and bar-tailed godwits, all three jaegers, Aleutian terns, Arctic warbler, Bluethroat, northern wheatear, yellow and white wagtails, snow bunting, and gray-cheeked thrush. Asian vagrants such as brambling, Eurasian Wigeon, Terek Sandpiper, Siberian Rubythroat, and Hawfinch are rare visitors to places such as the Pribolof Islands on the western outskirts of Alaska. Whether you are coming to search out the elusive whiskered auklet near Dutch Harbor or to witness one of the largest gatherings of spring-migrating shorebirds in Cordova you will want to take your time and plan well in advance for your birding adventure in Alaska. Alaska’s size and diversity of habitats can be a challenge to visiting birders who do not know exactly when and where they want to go. Alaska has many recognized birding-tour companies offering high quality birdwatching trips with experienced local birders who can arrange trips and make sure you get the most out of your birding adventure in Alaska. Even if your trip to Alaska doesn’t take you out into the wilderness, you can do some of the finest birding in the country in Anchorage. Anchorage is the only city of its size that still has breeding loons. Breeding red-throated, common, and Pacific loons can be found on many of the city lakes and are easily accessible to birders. The best time to visit Alaska depends on the type of birding you want to focus on. In general, the beginning of May through the end of September is the best birding season. Some of the most impressive shorebird migrations begin at the end of April through the middle of May when snow is still on the ground and temperatures can still be chilly. Breeding songbirds begin arriving in early May through the first week of June. Winter months can be the best time to observe wintering eiders, long-tailed ducks, whiskered auklets, and harlequin ducks along the coast. |
Barrow Area
Satellite ViewBarrow is the northern most town in the U.S., and is situated on the arctic coast of Alaska at 71o18 North by 156o40 West. The population is about 4500, of which a majority is native Inupiat. Although many modern conveniences are available in Barrow, the subsistence life style is still much in evidence, and fishing, hunting, and whaling are a way of life and central to the culture. Barrow has been continuously occupied for 5,000 years by people who have learned how to live in the harsh arctic climate. A new Heritage Center, opened in 1999, should be on the list of sites for every visitor.
Barrow is one of the top 100 birding spots in America. Although the diversity of birds is somewhat small, the annual visitors are spectacular. All four species of Eider ducks migrate along the coast and nest in the tundra around Barrow. Numerous other ducks and waterfowl also nest in the millions of small puddles and lakes across the tundra. Barrow is also prime habitat for many shorebirds. Perhaps the most spectacular summer visitor and breeder is the snowy owl, from which comes the Inupiat name for Barrow, Ukpeagvik, which translates to place to hunt snowy owls. Now days the owls are observed and studied.
Barrow is the only spot in America one can reliably expect to see the elusive Ross's gull, which shows up, sometimes in great numbers during the last week of September through the first couple of weeks of October.
Sirena Brownlee
Expert Birder, Xtremely Alaska, LLC
(Anchorage, Alaska)
guides@alaska.com
Brian & Leslie Watson
Barrow Area Contributor
(King Eider Inn, Barrow, Alaska)
eider@barrow.comhttp://kingeider.net
Number of bird species: 485
Number of endemics: 2
Amchitka Cormorant Phalacrocorax kenyoni McKay's Bunting Plectrophenax hyperboreus
Amchitka Cormorant Phalacrocorax kenyoni McKay's Bunting Plectrophenax hyperboreus
Alaska's Birds
A Guide to Selected Species - Robert Armstrong Paperback - 124 pages (April 1994) Alaska Northwest BooksISBN: 0882404555
Buy this book from NHBS.com
Bird Songs of Alaska
Leonard J Peyton Series: MACAULAY LIBRARY OF NATURAL SOUNDS 2 CD Set. Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology 1999ISBN: 0938027468
Buy this book from NHBS.com
Birds of the North Gulf Coast - Prince William Sound Region, Alaska
ME Isleib and B Kessel 149 pages, b/w photos, 14 figs. University of Alaska Press 1992 re-printISBN: 0912006390
Buy this book from NHBS.com
Field Guide to Bird Nests and Eggs of Alaska's Coastal Tundra
Tim Bowman 81 pages, 600 photos. Alaska Sea Grant College Program 2004ISBN: 1566120853
Buy this book from NHBS.com
Guide to the Birds of Alaska
Robert H. Armstrong Paperback - 322 pages (May 1995) Alaska Northwest BooksISBN: 0882404628
Buy this book from NHBS.com
The Birds of Alaska
Russell Rogers Series: INTERNATIONAL FIELD CHECKLIST SERIES 10 pages Russell Rogers 1993ISBN: 9999003893
Buy this book from NHBS.com
The Birds of the Seward Peninsula, Alaska
B Kessel 33 pages, 19 b/w plates, maps, line drawings. University of Alaska Press 1989ISBN: 0912006293
Buy this book from NHBS.com
State Bird
Willow Ptarmigan Lagopus lagopus
American Bald Eagle Foundation
WebsiteThe Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is managed by the State of Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation with the assistance of the 13 member Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Advisory Council. Interpretive Wildlife Display and Education Center Located in Haines, Alaska; featuring a unique diorama of wildlife found in the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.
Anchorage Audubon Society
WebsiteThe mission of Anchorage Audubon Society is to provide opportunities for learning about and enjoying wildlife and the natural environment, and to promote conservation of wildlife and protection of the natural environment through research, education, and action. We have about 1,500 members. The Anchorage Audubon Society serves the birding needs of Southcentral Alaska and the Kenai Peninsula. We offer informational resources as well as organized events like field trips and outings. Please browse through our site and come back often for the latest calendars and schedules.
Arctic Audubon Society
WebsiteThe Arctic Audubon Society, a chapter of the National Audubon Society, was chartered in 1977. Since that time, the chapter has been active in the Fairbanks area offering a variety of birding and educational opportunities to our members and the community.
Audubon Society in Alaska
WebsiteSearchable list...
Fish & Wildlife Service
WebsiteAlaska is home to over 445 species of birds. Most of these are migratory birds for which the Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible under international treaties and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Some of the birds stay in Alaska year `round. Most migrate to Canada, Central America, South America, Asia, or the lower 48 United States. In fact, birds from Alaska pass through virtually every other state in the Union (even Hawaii) on the way to their wintering grounds. Maintaining migratory birds and their habitats in Alaska is clearly a matter of national and international significance.
Juneau Audubon Society
WebsiteJuneau is one of Alaska's nicest places to go birding. The combination of mountains, forest, wetlands, inter-tidal, and marine habitats, all accessible from the Juneau road and trail system, provides for extensive and diverse birding opportunities.
Kodiak Audubon
WebsiteThe mission of Audubon Alaska is to conserve Alaska's natural ecosystems focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future generations...
Nature Conservancy in Alaska
WebsiteImagine... ancient forests, thousands of grizzlies, coastal streams brimming with salmon. You know, too, that in 200 years a great deal of it - bison, grizzlies, forests, and salmon - will be all but gone. What if you could bring modern science and conservation to that landscape to protect it? What would you do? What would you give for that opportunity? In Alaska, that landscape still exists. The opportunity is here. The time is now. In the following pages you'll read about the many ways The Nature Conservancy of Alaska is working to protect those landscapes in Alaska...
Prince William Sound Audubon Society
InformationPO Box 2511, Cordova, AK 99574, 907-424-5877 - Milo Burcham, President
Alaska Bird Observatory
ObservatorySatellite View
Alaska contains vast areas of pristine bird habitat: rich marine and estuarine ecosystems, coastal rainforests, interior boreal forests, lowland and alpine tundras, and coastal and interior wetlands. All of these environments host unique combinations 223 species of birds. Most of these birds migrate to Alaska from the islands of the South Pacific, Australia, Asia, Central and South America, the contiguous United States, and Canada. Many of the species of birds that occur in Alaska breed primarily or exclusively in northern regions, where long term studies of avian ecology are limited.
Alaska University Museum Bird Collection
WebsiteWith emphasis on the birds of northwesternmost North America, including taxa endemic to Beringia and the circumpolar North, the Bird Collection is the best in existence of avian material from Alaska. Almost all bird species and subspecies known in Alaska are represented and are preserved primarily as skins, skeletons, and tissues. The collection consists of over 14,000 birds. Most recent preparations include skin, skeleton, tissue, and stomach samples for each individual.
Alaska National Wildlife Refuges
WebsiteClickable list of refuges...
Alaska State Parks
WebsiteThe state division responsible for parks. Links lead to parklands, state parks, and wildlife refuges in Alaska.
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
WebsiteSatellite View
During the brief arctic summer, the North Slope is home to millions of birds. Many come to nest and raise their young. Others come to molt or simply to pass through on migration. A few species are present year-round. Rock and Willow Ptarmigan are the most abundant birds during winter and are found in patches of willows where they feed mainly on the buds. Ravens are the most conspicuous winter birds. A few Gyrfalcons and Snowy Owls may also be present, depending on the abundance of prey.
Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve
WebsiteSatellite View
The Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve was created by the State of Alaska in June 1982. The Preserve was established to protect and perpetuate the world's largest concentration of Bald Eagles and their critical habitat. It also sustains and protects the natural salmon runs...
Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge
WebsiteSatellite View
At Creamer's Refuge wildlife and people share the forest, wetlands, ponds, and open fields. Creamer's Refuge protects and enhances quality habitat for a diversity of wildlife, especially waterfowl and other migratory birds, while also providing for compatible public uses, such as wildlife viewing, research, and nature education...
Denali National Park and Preserve
WebsiteSatellite View
Denali’s dynamic glaciated landscape supports a diversity of wildlife with grizzly bears, caribou, wolves, Dall sheep and moose. Summer slopes are graced with birds and wildflowers. Visitors enjoy sightseeing, backpacking, mountaineering, and research opportunities. Whether climbing or admiring, the crowning jewel of North America’s highest peak is the awe inspiring 20,320 foot Mount McKinley...
Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
WebsiteSatellite View
The Kenai Refuge consists of the western slopes of the Kenai Mountains and forested lowlands bordering Cook Inlet. The lowlands are composed of spruce and birch forests intermingled with hundreds of lakes. The Kenai Mountains with their glaciers rise to more than 6,000 feet presenting a barrier on the southeastern boundary of the refuge. The refuge is a miniature Alaska with some of all habitat types of Alaska -- tundra, mountains, wetlands, and forests. Kenai Refuge was established by President Roosevelt to preserve and maintain the large population of moose on the Kenai Peninsula. In addition, the refuge is host to Dall sheep, mountain goat, caribou, coyote, wolf, grizzly bear, black bear, lynx, wolverine, beaver, small mammals, and birds.
Kenai Peninsula Birds
WebsiteSatellite View
There is perhaps no natural wonder that can rival the stunning composition of Alaskan wildlife. An estimated 8,000 moose roam the peninsula, grazing on willow and tender meadow shoots. Nimble Dall sheep and mountain goats tread across the steep slopes. Secluded edges of marshy lakes come alive with the honking of trumpeter swans and Canada Geese.
Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge
WebsiteSatellite View
Tetlin Refuge lies in eastern interior Alaska, bordering Canada's Yukon Territory, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, and the Alaska Highway. It is one of only two refuges in the state that are road accessible. Major physical features are characterized by broad, flat river basins bisected by rolling hills, extensive marsh and lake complexes, and foothill areas of the Nutzotin and Mentasta Mountains. Two large glacial rivers, the Chisana and Nabesna, flow northward through the refuge, joining near the refuge's northwestern boundary to form the Tanana River, one of Alaska's major rivers.
Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge
WebsiteSatellite View
Yukon Flats is about 100 miles north of Fairbanks -- the most northernly point reached by the Yukon River. Here the river breaks free from canyon walls spreading unconfined for 200 miles through a vast flood plain. In the spring millions of migrating birds converge on the flats before ice moves from the river. The migrating birds come from four continents to raise their young.
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2000 [May] - Sandy Komito - Attu Island
ReportAttu Island is known as the premier migration spot in North America for seeing stray Asian vagrants. The year, 2000 is the last year birders are able to visit the island...
2000 [September] - Phil Davis - Attu Island
ReportMost avid North American listers are well aware of Attu, Alaska, even if they never visited it.
2001 [June] - B.J. Bergstrom
Report...more a checklist than a report...
2001 [May] - Ed Clark - Denali National Park & Chugiak
ReportDriving into the park we saw several Willow Ptarmigan along or on the road, American Tree Sparrows were singing their clear, fluid song at every stop. Flocks of passerines were winging about unidentified until they landed close enough to the road and they (or at least this flock) turned out to be Lapland Longspurs. We parked at Savage River Parking area and proceeded to climb the southeast shoulder of Mount Margaret in search of the White-tails...
2002 [August] Helen Baines
ReportThe following is a write up of the birding opportunities possible while taking a cruise from Alaska, south along the Inside Passage to Vancouver. It also includes 2 days of birding in Anchorage prior to the beginning of the cruise...
2002 [June] - Jon Hornbuckle et al
ReportWe organized our trip collectively and chose to go on the late side to maximize chances of seeing Bristle-thighed Curlew and Smith`s Longspur. This worked out well, as we saw almost everything we wanted, except for Emperor Goose, Spruce Grouse and Grey-crowned Rosy-Finch, which are always going to be difficult. We chose not to visit the Pribilofs, as it would have cost almost £1000 for a couple of days and only a few extra species.
2004 [June] - Mary Beth Stowe
Report...Phil told us that the lake across the street from the hotel (called Hood Lake and loaded with seaplanes) was good for Greater Scaup, so after we checked in I walked over and checked it out, where tons of Violet-green Swallows were flying around, along with a token Bank. Saw Phil's Greater Scaup, and a funny ching-ching-ching song had me stumped until I saw the junco on the wire doing it...
2006 [June] - Pete Morris
ReportWith a grand total of 200 species of birds, and 25 species of mammals, this, our fifth tour to Alaska, was once again a huge success. We were largely blessed with good weather (at times positively hot!) and as a result, were able to complete the tour circuit without a hitch. Avian highlights were many and the following is just a taster: great views of all five species of diver (loon) in breeding plumage; stupendous views of all four species of eider...
2006 [September] - Dave Tannahill - Nome & Gambell
ReportI birded Nome and Gambell Alaska with Dick Wood of Tucson, AZ.. In case any of you ever travel to Gambell the following is what we did and what we learned...
2009 [June] - Chuck Bell
Report...Our small group met our guides from Wilderness Birding Adventures at a B&B in Fairbanks...
2010 [June] - Scott Bowers
ReportThis trip to Alaska involved hiking on St. George Island in the Pribilofs, hiking in Denali National Park, and boating in the Petersburg area...
This section sponsored by:
Alaska Birding & Wildlife Tours
Tour OperatorProfessional guides will show you the abundant and diverse wildlife of St. Paul Island, in the Alaskan Pribilofs. These tours are designed for wildlife enthusiasts, bird watchers, and photographers seeking a truly unique destination.
Birding Pal
InformationLocal birders willing to show visiting birders around their area...
High Lonesome Ecotours
Tour OperatorWhy choose High Lonesome Ecotours for your birding trips in Alaska? First, we offer a small group experience where economically feasible with typically 6 to 12 participants. Second, we visit the most popular birding hot spots in Alaska, and we schedule it so that you can do one trip, or string together as many as five trips to different desitnations...
Nahanni River Tours
Tour OperatorFor nearly two decades Neil Hartling and Barry Beales of Nahanni River Adventures and Whitewolf Expeditions have fine tuned the most extensive offerings of the best of the north. In 1997 the two companies joined together to capitalise on the strengths of each outfit. The resulting selection has been referred to as the life list of northern rivers - all must do`s.
Gracious Lodge [& Flying Service]
AccommodationCentrally located on the shortest, most scenic route to Denali National Park (less than an hour and a half away.) There are 20 modern cabins or motel units, most with private baths. Nearby for your enjoyment we have a bar and a cafe featuring ice cream and home-baked pies.
King Eider Inn
AccommodationThe King Eider Inn is recognized as Barrow's finest hotel by repeat guests and tourists alike. A quiet, clean, smoke-free atmosphere provides our guests with a relaxing and comfortable stay. Our hotel features a guest sauna, spacious rooms with attractive pine log furniture and a wood mantled stone fireplace in the lobby. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will make your stay enjoyable. We're located across from the Alaska Airlines Barrow terminal and within walking distance of local sites and attractions. Call us toll free at 1-888-303-4337 to make hotel reservations...
Tangle River Inn
AccommodationFor the photo hunter, the area also boasts bald and golden eagles, and swans...
Tsivat River Lodge
Accommodationwe have 30 miles of beach to explore which supplies a variety of Shore Birds, Bear, Moose and Whale to photograph if one desires...
AlaskaBirds-L
Mailing ListTo post to list:alaskabirds-l@www.uaf.edu
List contact:alaskabirds@ak.net
Subscribe by going to the above website.
Alaska Landbird Resource Information System
WebsiteBoreal Partners in Flight - Alaska Landbird Resource Information System...
Attu
WebsiteFor many years, knowledge of bird migration in the Near Islands was only fragmentary, since they had been visited only sporadically by scientists. Then in the late 1970s, Dan Gibson of the University of Alaska Museum did the first intensive studies of spring and fall migration in the Near Islands, on Shemya Island. And beginning in the late 1970s, we began annual spring visits to Attu Island that have continued to this day. We now have a much more complete picture of bird distribution in the Aleutians.
Birds of Alaska
WebsiteThe enjoyment of birding in Alaska is enhanced by learning where and when to find the birds one is searching for...
Birdwatching in Nome
WebsiteBird watching in the Nome region is wonderful. With three distinct habitats (Ocean, wetlands, and high alpine tundra) the region is a haven for more than 150 migratory species....
Checklist
WebsiteKodiak Bird Watching
WebsiteKodiak is a birder's paradise. Thanks to a mild climate and plentiful food supply, bird watching opportunities are excellent year-round. Over 200 bird species have been identified in the archipelago. Winter bird counts are usually the highest in Alaska, with some eighty species identified last year.
Louis Agassiz Fuertes and the Harriman Alaska Expedition
WebsiteThis site highlights a journal that Louis Agassiz Fuertes kept during the Harriman Alaska Expedition. In the summer of 1899, railroad magnate Edward H. Harriman funded a scientific expedition along the Alaskan coast. The expedition, intended initially as a family vacation, gathered an illustrious group of scientists, writers and artists, and combined scientific research with leisure activities...
Gallery - Yukon Gullery
GalleryIf you have not visited the Yukon Gullery recently then you will notice various changes. To better promote the study of gulls through images we have increased the size of the images - which will in turn increase your downloading time. There`s nothing worse than an over-compressed jpeg to ruin a good gull photo -- those delicate tertial patterns just disappear! As of March 1998, a total of 17 gull species have been documented in the Yukon.
Photographer - BJ Bergstrom
GalleryGallery
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This site was last updated on Monday, 30th January 2012.
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