Alaska Bird Watching/Birding Information: general information and bird tour operators.

Alaska Bird Watching...

The enjoyment of birding in Alaska is enhanced by learning where and when to find the birds one is searching for. Proper trip planning can maximize one's chances at seeing a high number of bird species during a trip to Alaska. 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.

Alaska attracts birds from many areas of the world, including South America, Asia, Africa, and Antarctica. Migration allows birds to capitalize on abundant food sources available during the brief summer season. Alaska's bird checklist includes 445 documented species and an additional 35 unsubstantiated species. With over 130 million acres of federally protected lands, these protected habitats represent an important component of preserving many bird populations.

Birding in Alaska is often best during peaks of migration, the breeding season, and/or when high concentrations of food attract birds (such as salmon runs). The breeding season in Alaska is very brief, especially north of the Arctic Circle, so its important to refer to the regional bird finding guides or tour operators to learn about the best times and areas for bird watching.

Choose your eco and cultural tourism provider by activity or location through AWRTA's PLAN YOUR TRIP database.

Recommended Publications and Websites

Guide to the Birds of Alaska
1998. Robert Armstrong. New edition, completely updated and revised. This is the only comprehensive guide to Alaskaês birds and includes all 443 species of birds found in the state. Full-color photos for all bird species that occur regularly; durable lie-flat binding for all-weather field use.
Birds of the North Gulf Coast - Prince William Sound Region
1992. Alaska Biological Papers of the University of Alaska.
A Birder's Guide to the Kenai Peninsula
1994. George C. West. Pratt Museum/Birchside Studios.
Habitat Characteristics of Some Passerine Birds in Western North America Taiga
1998. Brina Kessel.
Birds of the Seward Penninsula
1989. Brina Kessel.
American Birding Association is North America's largest membership organization for active birders – providing leadership to field birders by increasing their knowledge, skills, and enjoyment of birding, and by contributing to bird conservation. This site also has a bookstore where many birding guide books can be purchased on-line.
National Audubon Society The mission of the National Audubon Society is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds and other wildlife for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity. The state of Alaska and local audubon chapters' webpages can be found here as well.
Alaska Public Lands Information Center The Alaska Public Lands Information Centers are interagency visitor centers authorized by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. The centers serve the public on behalf of eight federal and state agencies which manage public lands in Alaska.
Cornell Lab of Ornithology The lab is a membership institution interpreting and conserving the earth's biological diversity through research, education, and citizen science focused on birds.
USGS Alaska Bird Check List
Alaska Bird Observatory The Alaska Bird Observatory is an Alaska nonprofit corporation. The mission of ABO is to advance the appreciation, understanding, and conservation of birds and their habitats through research and education.

Alaska Birds