Introduction to Birding in Alaska

One of the stars of the show and a perenniel favorite, the Horned Puffin. Luckily a very easy bird to find for experts and novices alike. Photo Use Policy.

Alaska is one of the ultimate bird watching destinations in the world. Alaska’s got two things going for it, first its location and second, the fact that it is the breeding grounds for hundreds of species. Its northern location and closeness to Asia make it a dream site for North American birders.

It proximately to Asia brings many birds from the eastern hemisphere to the shores of Alaska, either as breeding birds like Arctic Warbler, Northern Wheatear, and Bluethroat, or as vagrants like Ruffs, Tufted Ducks, and Eye-browed Thrush. In spring and fall migration, nearly anything from Asia is possible in western Alaska, and rarities are even more likely to land on the Pribilofs and Saint Lawrence Island.

It’s northern location means that it contains many habitats that are not readily available in the lower 48. Tundras are the breeding destination for many shorebirds and passerines such as Bristle-thighed Curlew, Red-necked Phalaropes, and Smith’s Longspurs. Many of these birds are only known as migrants further south where breeding plumages may be seldom seen.

Also, Alaska has endless stretches of Boreal forest which is limited in the lower states. Here such permanent residents Boreal Chickadees, Spruce Grouse, and Dippers can be strikingly common. Also birds like Boreal Owl and Northern Hawk Owl are fairly common.

	Alaska Rare Bird Alerts Be sure to check out the rare bird alerts before heading out on your Alaskan bird watching trip. It would be a shame to find out about that Asiatic stray when you get home. See our Resource Pages for more information. Upper Cook Inlet/Anchorage 907-338-2473 Kachemak Bay/Homer 907-235-7337 Fairbank/Interior 907-451-9213 Seward/Ressurection Bay 907-224-2325 Juneau/Southeast 907-586-2591

Add the rich offshore waters and you have a very rich and diverse bird life that will make any birdwatcher happy. Take a nature cruise out of Seward or Homer in season and you will see legions of seabirds including the stars of the show, the Horned Puffins and Tufted Puffins. Throw in auklets, murrelets, fulmars, shearwaters and storm-petrels and you have an amazing spectacle.

Considerations for
Birding Alaska

The drawbacks to bird watching Alaska are few but important. First, you have to remember that the state is enormous. Saying you are going to bird Alaska is about the same as saying you are going to bird the east coast of the US. Alaska has about 20% of the area of the lower 48 states. So you can’t expect to see more than a fraction of the state in a single seven-day trip. However, you can see plenty in that time.

Also, you must be aware that most things are more expensive in Alaska. Transportation, lodging, and food can all be very expensive during the height of the tourist season. With some advanced planning you may be able to lower the cost of your trip. And on that note, be sure to make your reservations well in advance. Many destinations fill up quickly, so you may find yourself out of luck if you wait until the last minute to firm up your plans. Be sure to check out our Planning Section, it will give you all the information you will need to make informed choices.