Discover the untamed beauty of the Last Frontier’s skies as we introduce you to the astonishing diversity of Birds of Prey in Alaska. Home to an impressive 20 species, Alaska’s vast wilderness serves as a perfect arena for these avian wonders. From the majestic coastal cliffs to the sprawling, icy tundra, every corner of this remote state presents a unique backdrop for these formidable predators.
Here’s a guide to where you might find these birds in Alaska:
-
Red-tailed Hawk: Found in both forested areas and open country throughout Alaska.
-
Sharp-shinned Hawk: Prefers dense forest areas. Often seen in south-central and southeast Alaska.
-
Rough-legged Hawk: Primarily found in the tundra of western and northern Alaska during the summer.
-
Northern Goshawk: Found in old growth forests across Alaska.
-
Northern Harrier: Commonly seen in open habitats like marshes and grasslands across Alaska.
-
Great Horned Owl: Found in a variety of habitats, including forests and open country, throughout Alaska.
-
Barred Owl: Prefers dense forests, mainly found in southeast Alaska.
-
Western Screech-Owl: Often seen in coastal forests of southeast Alaska.
-
Snowy Owl: Snowy owls are primarily found in the tundra of western and northern Alaska, particularly during the summer.
-
Great Gray Owl: Prefers boreal forests and is often seen in interior Alaska.
-
Northern Saw-whet Owl: Found in dense forests across southern and southeast Alaska.
-
Short-eared Owl: Commonly seen in open habitats like marshes and grasslands across Alaska.
-
Boreal Owl: Found in boreal forests throughout interior and southcentral Alaska.
-
Northern Hawk Owl: Prefers boreal forests, often seen in interior Alaska.
-
Peregrine Falcon: Found throughout Alaska, often near cliffs and bodies of water.
-
American Kestrel: Often seen in open habitats of south-central and interior Alaska.
-
Bald Eagle: Bald eagles are found near bodies of water throughout Alaska.
-
Golden Eagle: Golden eages are Often seen in open habitats of interior Alaska.
-
Gyrfalcon: Primarily found in the tundra of northern and western Alaska.
-
Merlin: Found in a variety of habitats, including forests and open country, throughout Alaska.
Where to Spot Birds of Prey in Alaska
Denali National Park and Preserve: Covering over six million acres, Denali National Park is home to a vast variety of bird species, including many birds of prey. The park’s varied landscape, consisting of mountains, tundra, forests, and rivers, makes it a perfect habitat for these species. Here, you might spot the majestic Golden Eagle soaring above the park’s rugged peaks or the Northern Harrier gliding low over its meadows.
-
Kachemak Bay State Park: Located near Homer, this park offers stunning coastal views and an array of diverse ecosystems. Kachemak Bay State Park is an excellent location to observe Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, and the occasional visiting Osprey.
-
Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve: As its name suggests, this preserve located near Haines in southeast Alaska is best known for its Bald Eagle population. The Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve witnesses an extraordinary gathering of these birds, especially from October to February, when over 3,000 eagles are present to feast on the late run of salmon.
-
Kenai National Wildlife Refuge: Situated on the Kenai Peninsula, this refuge provides habitats for several birds of prey, including Golden Eagles, Northern Goshawks, and various species of owls. Birdwatchers will appreciate the diverse habitats, ranging from alpine regions to wetlands.
The diversity and grandeur of the birds of prey found across Alaska’s sprawling landscapes transition seamlessly as you cross into its neighboring states. The breadth of bird species found in the preying birds of Washington state bear a majestic emblem of our shared commitment to preserving and celebrating these majestic birds of prey.