Alaska is home to a vast variety of birds – 471 species have been positively identified to date – and that makes the 49th state a paradise for birders. Alaska is a destination for many who hope to see rarities like the Bluethroat, Whiskered Auklet, and Bristle-Thighed Curlew.

Providing service along 3,500 miles of coastline, the Alaska Marine Highway can transport you to this wildlife wonderland from the rainforests of Southeast to the windswept Aleutian Islands. View our five, seven, and ten day birding itineraries to start planning your trip today. During your cruise, look for birds from the forward observation lounge or go up to the top deck and relax in the heated solarium. Bring a car, bicycle, kayak, or simply walk on to make the ferry ride a fun part of your avian adventure.

The annual migration to the Great Land inspires communities like Ketchikan, Wrangell, Yakutat, Cordova, and Homer to host festivals in celebration of the arrival of thousands of birds. Visit our community events page to plan your trip around one of the birding festivals throughout the state.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game encourages more people to enjoy Alaska’s birds and to take their birding skills to a higher level with the “Wings Over Alaska” program. Participants are awarded free certificates for bird species they have seen in Alaska and the highest level of certificate is signed by the Governor.

Plan your trip to Alaska today and delight in adding numerous species to your life list.

Birders from around the world travel to the Aleutian Chain to add unique species to their “life lists.” This spring, take advantage of a rare opportunity to cruise the Aleutian Chain aboard the MV Kennicott, a mainline vessel with ample cabin and car deck space. Continue Reading