Millions of shorebirds and migrating flocks, of some 50 species, favor Alaska throughout the year.
Alaska is favored by shorebirds and migratory flocks in large numbers and from afar. A rich supply of food in the offshore area is one clear reason, as indeed is the geographic location between the Northernmost reaches of earth and the southern climes that Arctic and Siberian winged residents do seek. You also find birds from Asia and the Southernmost parts of the Pacific hanging around parts of Alaska. Not all of us know why, but no one complains! All in all, Alaska is a bird watchers paradise and the State's vigorous conservation goes a long way to promote this salutary obsession. One may think that peak summer could be the only time to make bird watching trips to Alaska, but the truth is that you can see plenty of birds even in peak winter.
Alaska is favored by more than 450 species of birds including uncommon ones such as the Bluethroat, Whiskered Auklet and the Bristle-Thighed Curlew. The State Department of Fish and Game supports bird watching and you can look forward to an enriching experience and a most enjoyable vacation as well. An incentive to sight more kinds of birds lies in the certificate that you can win for your achievement. The Governor will personally sign a certificate if you make the effort to sight at least 275 species. Birds that you see at your feeder count for your certificate.
Alaska is part of the world's largest migration of shore birds from their South American and South Pacific winter homes. The area of the mud flats of the Copper River Delta is a prime location for an Alaskan bird watching trip. Some 5 million birds pass through this area over a 6 week period each year. Some 30 species are involved and may stay for days at a time if the weather is not conducive for them to move on. It is not uncommon to spot unusual species within the migrating flocks. The Pacific Golden Plover comes all the way from New Zealand! Kachemak Bay and the Cook Inlet mud flats are also good spots to see migrating shore birds. Local communities host festivals in late April and May to herald the spectacular phenomenon in their environments. You can combine a trip to witness a migration with some forays in to the water, to see river and sea birds, or venture in land to spot land birds. You can look forward to adding a rich and numerous collection to your list of sightings and make solid progress towards that coveted certificate! It is not uncommon to notch up a tally of over 100! There are many bird watching festivals during an Alaskan Spring and you could quickly become an annual and addicted visitor!
Remember, Alaska is home to one third of all the world's shorebirds! The Copper River Delta is a rich habitat for millions of shorebirds in spring. The Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta is worth a visit in summer to see a huge collection of shore birds. The Pribilofs are an enchanting part of Alaska for bird watching in spring. St. Paul Island and St. George Island play host to millions of birds and the wilderness has the atmosphere unlike what you can see elsewhere on earth. You can sight rare birds with relative ease in this unique habitat, including some Asiatic visitors. The Stikine River Delta is another place to visit in spring when it witnesses the migration of bald eagles. The town of Wrangell celebrates festivals and arranges public activities that even children can enjoy, to celebrate this glorious annual event. Tanana Valley is a key transit point for Sandhill Cranes in August, as they make their way south from Siberian climes. Schedule a trip to the area in summer and take part in the events and celebrations to welcome the Russian visitors!
A novice may believe that birds cannot be seen during an Alaskan winter, but the truth is that the South Eastern part of the State has plenty of ducks, swans and geese throughout the coldest parts of the year. An abundant supply of crustaceans, amphibians and fish attract them to the offshore area and they have elaborate body structures, systems and habits to thrive even in the extreme weather. You may be fortunate to see a very rare bird, so you should know how to record observations that can be useful parts of subsequent records. Do make a sketch of unusual birds that you see. It does not matter if you are not an accomplished artist, your notes on body structure, color and plumage, size and behavior could help the causes of conservation and science. Notes should be made immediately for the bird may not loiter. Photographs and tape recordings are invaluable. A voice activated micro recorder keeps the hands free for binoculars and is most convenient to use. A field guide will help you look for relevant signs. Birding takes practice and you should not get disheartened when initial efforts are rated as amateurish and incomplete. You will surely get better with more bird watching, (or birding as the term goes), trips to Alaska.
