Immerse yourself in the astonishing diversity of water birds in Alaska, where the wilderness is teeming with winged wonders. Nestled between pristine lakes, sweeping coastal shores, and vast wetlands, Alaska presents a captivating tableau of aquatic avian life.
From the swift flight of the Arctic Tern to the graceful paddling of the Sea Ducks, each species adds a unique hue to the Alaskan bird-watching palette. Join us as we dive into the world of these extraordinary feathered creatures and explore the splendor of Alaskan biodiversity.
Alaska Water Birds
In total there are over 80 species of waterbirds in Alaska, however we are just focusing on the 25 most common Alaska birds. There are several species of ducks, geese, puffins and both large birds and small birds in our list.
| Bird | Common Family Name | Best Time to Find in Alaska | Best Place in Alaska |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mallard | Ducks | Year-round | Wetlands, lakes, and ponds across Alaska |
| American Wigeon | Ducks | April-October | Coastal lagoons, lakes |
| Northern Pintail | Ducks | April-October | Coastal wetlands, marshes |
| Northern Shoveler | Ducks | April-October | Wetlands, shallow lakes |
| Blue-winged Teal | Ducks | May-September | Marshes, ponds |
| Green-winged Teal | Ducks | April-October | Wetlands, marshes |
| Bufflehead | Ducks | April-October | Coastal waters, lakes |
| Hooded Merganser | Ducks | May-September | Forested wetlands |
| Common Merganser | Ducks | Year-round | Freshwater lakes, rivers |
| Canada Goose | Geese | April-October | Lakes, ponds, coastal waters |
| Snow Goose | Geese | April-May and October-November | Coastal plains, wetlands |
| Tundra Swan | Swans | April-May and September-October | Wetlands, coastal waters |
| Great Blue Heron | Herons | April-October | Coastal waters, marshes |
| Common Loon | Loons | April-October | Large freshwater lakes, coastal waters |
| Double-crested Cormorant | Cormorants | April-October | Coastal cliffs, islands |
| Northern Fulmar | Fulmars | May-September | Offshore waters, cliffs |
| Arctic Tern | Terns | May-August | Coastal waters, wetlands |
| Common Murre | Auks | April-September | Offshore waters, rocky cliffs |
| Tufted Puffin | Puffins | April-August | Coastal cliffs, offshore islands |
| Short-tailed Shearwater | Shearwaters | May-October | Offshore waters |
| Glaucous-winged Gull | Gulls | Year-round | Coastal waters, landfills |
| Horned Puffin | Puffins | May-August | Coastal cliffs, offshore islands |
| Thick-billed Murre | Auks | April-September | Offshore waters, rocky cliffs |
| Parasitic Jaeger | Skuas and Jaegers | May-August | Tundra, coastal waters |
| Black-footed Albatross | Albatrosses | May-September | Offshore waters |
Water Bird Species Found in Alaska
Where to Spot Alaska’s Water Birds
-
Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge: This is one of the largest refuges in the U.S., providing nesting grounds for a huge variety of water birds. The Delta is particularly well-known for the Emperor Goose and Spectacled Eider.
-
Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary: Nestled in the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, this site offers a boardwalk for easy viewing of its many water bird residents, like Mallards and Northern Pintails.
-
Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge: Sprawled across 2,500 islands, rocks, and reefs, this refuge hosts a wide array of water birds, including the rare Short-tailed Albatross and Tufted Puffins.
-
Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge: Located in Fairbanks, it’s a crucial resting spot for migrating water birds, offering sightings of the beautiful American Wigeon and Green-winged Teal.
-
Kachemak Bay State Park: Known for its diverse ecosystem, this park in Homer, Alaska is an excellent location to observe Glaucous-winged Gulls and Common Loons.
Neighboring States to Alaska and their Main Water Bird-Watching Sites:
| State | Main Water Bird-Watching Site |
|---|---|
| Washington Water Birds | Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge |
| Oregon Water Birds | Malheur National Wildlife Refuge |
| Idaho Water Bird Species | Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge |
| Montana Water Birds | Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge |
Tips on How to Spot Water Birds in Alaska?
Time of Year: The best time to spot water birds in Alaska is during the spring and fall migration seasons. Many birds travel through Alaska during these times, so you’ll have a high chance of seeing a variety of species.
-
Visit Known Birding Hotspots: Locations such as the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge, Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary, and Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge are renowned for their water bird populations. Plan a trip to these areas for high-quality bird watching.
-
Arrive Early or Stay Late: Birds are often most active during the early morning and late afternoon. Arriving at these times can increase your chances of spotting water birds.
-
Quiet and Patience: Birds can be easily scared away by loud noises. Move slowly and quietly, and be patient. Some birds might take a while to appear.
-
Use a Good Pair of Binoculars: Water birds often stay on the far side of lakes or in the middle of rivers. A pair of high-quality binoculars can help you spot and identify them from a distance.
-
Learn Bird Calls: Many birds are easier to hear than to see. By learning the calls of different water birds, you can identify them even if they’re hidden.
-
Dress Appropriately: Alaska’s weather can change rapidly, especially in and around water bodies. Wear layers and waterproof clothing to ensure you’re comfortable during your bird watching expedition.
-
Keep a Field Guide Handy: A good field guide can help you identify different species and understand their behaviors, enhancing your bird watching experience.
Remember, bird watching is as much about enjoyment and connecting with nature as it is about spotting and identifying different species. Take your time, and savor the experience.
The state bird of Alaska is not a water bird. Other water birds include:
- Calidris pusilla: Semipalmated Sandpiper
- Calidris mauri: Western Sandpiper
- Calidris virgata: Surfbird
- Calidris alpina: Dunlin
- Calidris minutilla: Least Sandpiper
- Calidris melanotos: Pectoral Sandpiper
- Calidris himantopus: Stilt Sandpiper
- Calidris bairdii: Baird's Sandpiper
- Common eider
- common merganser