Alaska Birding Resources

Alaska's range of natural habitats - arctic, tundra, boreal forests, rainforest, and seacoasts - reflects a wide diversity of ecosystems and therefore, bird species. The diversity of habitats and the migration patterns to Alaskan breeding grounds offer a magnificent display and an amazing opportunity to see birds in their breeding plumage that many birders rarely get to observe.

The Nifty Fifty

The Nifty Fifty is a mini-guide to the birds of Alaska. It includes descriptions, images, video and songs of 50 of the most often observed birds of Alaska. View the guide by clicking here or on the Nifty Fifty link on the left.

You will need the free Flash player to view the guide.

Some birds prefer to stay near the ground, while others are almost always seen high in a tree. Look for the following notations in the species descriptions to determine where the species is most likely to be seen. If a note is not present, the bird does not have a strong affinity for a particular region.

• Look high.
• Look mid-story.
• Look low.

State Information

Recent Bird Sightings

(907) 338-2473 Statewide

(907) 451-9213 Fairbanks

(907) 235-7337 Kachemak Bay

Birding Locations

Alaska State Bird - Willow Ptarmigan

Alaska Birding Events

Stkine River Garnet Festival
Third week in April
Wrangell, Alaska
Phone: 800-347-4462 or 907-874-4311 - Email: wilma@alaskawaters.com
The festival was designed to enhance the education of Wrangell's school children, community and visitors about the wildlife and history of the Stikine River Delta as well as encourage economic development and diversity for the community. The festival celebrates the arrival of the largest springtime concentration of Bald Eagles in North America on the Stikine River Delta, the arrival of spring in Alaska as well as the history of Garnet Ledge. The variety and large springtime concentration of wildlife on the Stikine's (Stik-Heen) delta sets the Garnet Festival apart from all other festivals in Alaska.

Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival
Usually in May
Cordova, Alaska
Phone:
The tidal flats of the Copper River Delta shimmer with the activity of hundreds of shore birds. As many as 5 million shorebirds rest and feed here during spring migration. The Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival is the ideal opportunity for bird watchers to be part of this epic migration.

Alaska Bald Eagle Festival
Usually in November
Haines, Alaska
Phone: (907) 766-3094
Three-day celebration of the winter population peak of eagles: educational seminars, family and special events. Most Festival activities are held at the American Bald Eagle Foundation museum, conveniently located at the corner of Second Avenue and the Haines Highway. Here you will attend wildlife workshops, meet for tours, classes and live raptor presentations. Daily busses and/or vans will carry you safely to the Alaska Bald Eagle Preserve to witness the annual "Gathering of the Eagles. " At this time of year, over 3,000 eagles can be found in the Preserve feeding on a late run of salmon. The Festival includes a variety of evening entertainment to round out your Festival experience.

Other resources and locations

If you have suggestions for additional birding resources in Alaska, from web sites to your favorite birding location, submit your information using the following form. You can cut and paste large amounts if text into the information field. Birding locations are the most desired, but any good resource on Alaska birds is welcomed.

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