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Alaska Bird Watching Near Anchorage

Bird Watchers Flock to Anchorage

Surrounded by wilderness, Anchorage offers a world of opportunity for Alaska bird watching in an ecological setting. Alaska is home to a huge variety of birds. More than than 450 species of birds have been positively identified - enough action for even the most discriminating birder.

Big Wild Life 411

Provided by Alaska resident and wildlife biologist Sirena T. Brownlee

I am the quintessential "bird nerd" according to my friends and family. One of my favorite birding spots in Anchorage is Westchester Lagoon and the adjacent Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Watching the red-necked grebes conduct their ritualistic breeding displays is a treat. My favorite time of year to bird around the lagoon is during spring migration when the Arctic comes alive with migrating shorebirds, waterfowl, geese, loons and songbirds. Take flight!

More Bird Watching Near Anchorage

• Potter Marsh State Game Refuge
• Chugach State Park
• Eagle River Nature Center
• John's Park and Coastal Bluffs

More information on Alaska bird watching, and details for Anchorage bird watching hot spots, is available from the Anchorage Audubon Society

Alaska Bird Watching Checklist

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game encourages people to to explore Alaska, discover more Alaska birds and to take their birding skills to a higher level through the Wings Over Alaska program. Wings Over Alaska provides a detailed Alaska bird watching checklist and awards free certificates to participants based on the number of bird species they spot in Alaska.

Bird Watching Equipment

The great thing about bird watching is that you can do it wherever you go. It’s as simple as watching birds while you’re talking to a friend or you can vigorously pursue it like the serious birders. However you go about the sport, there are a few basics you will need.

• Good optics make the sport even more enjoyable. Buy the best you can afford.
• Get a good field guide for your area and a good overall guide, such as “The Sibley Guide to Birds” or “Peterson Field Guide.”
• Learn how to find the birds by learning about their habitat and songs.
• Take a guided tour or join other birders to learn different techniques.
• Keep a diary of sightings to build upon and to help clarify other sightings.