Anchorage birding

David (dstrother@pop.dn.net)
Fri, 09 Apr 1999 18:07:09 -0400


If there's anyone among us who might provide information beyond that
clipped from the Anchorage Audubon page, please let me know  _off-list_ 
at  dstrother@pop.dn.net

thanks.....
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Anchorage - The best source: Field Guide To Birding In Anchorage, by R.
L. "Buzz" Scher. This book offers detailed maps of 15 areas in and near
Anchorage. It can be obtained from the Anchorage Audubon Society for
$8.00 plus $2 postage, or, in Anchorage, from the Public Lands
Information Center on 4th St. and some local book stores. Here are a few
of the areas to bird in Anchorage:

Westchester Lagoon and Coastal Trail (to Earthquake Park) - The mud
flats west of the railroad are the best in Anchorage for numbers and
variety of shorebirds and waterfowl. Normally best before high tide,
this area is good for seeing breeding plumage Hudsonian Godwits,
Surfbirds, and Short-billed Dowitchers. Nearby woods are good for Alder
Flycatcher, Northern Waterthrush, and Rusty Blackbird. The open lagoon
is good for both
goldeneyes, swallows, and diving ducks. Beluga Whales can be seen
occasionally off the mud flats.

Potter Marsh - Ten miles south of downtown Anchorage and immediately
adjacent to the Seward Highway, Potter Marsh offers easy viewing of
breeding waterfowl, grebes and Arctic Terns, Red-necked Phalarope,
swallows, sparrows and blackbirds. The east side of the marsh is good
for passerines like the Bohemian Waxwing.

Arctic Valley/Glen Alps - Good mornings and afternoons; ptarmigan,
thrushes, pipits, and sparrows.

Service High/Hillside Park/Kincaid Park/John’s Park (Oceanview) -
woodpeckers, chickadees, flycatchers, thrushes, warblers and sparrows.

Lake Hood/Spenard - loons, waterfowl (especially diving ducks), gulls,
terns and swallows.