|
Birding Opportunities in Unalaska/Dutch Harbor |
 Bird-watchers from around the world know that the
Aleutian Islands are a must see in searching out rare species. The island is
a birder's paradise, maintaining one of the worlds most heavily populated
eagle habitats, as well as a profusion of seabirds including the rarely seen
whiskered auklet and the short-tailed albatross.
More than 100 bird species can be found in this area, and some are unique to the Aleutian Chain. One of the rarest birds in the U.S. is the whiskered auklet, a small, gray diving seabird with white whiskers. It nests only in the Aleutians, particularly at the eastern end of Unalaska Island and in the nearby Baby Islands. A number of other seabirds and waterfowl can be viewed during the summer months, including numerous species of murres, murrelets, albatross and auklets. Others species include the black oystercatcher, grebes, cormorants, mallards, green-winged teal, harlequins, goldeneye, and bufflehead. The sea birds may be seen by scheduling a day boat tour. These tours can be customized to meet your birding interests and operate from June- September. Please see the list of tour providers to book your birding excursion. If sea birds are not your interest, birders are often surprised by species found outside their usual ranges, and a simple drive or walk along the coastal roads holds many delights for birders. Oyster catchers, rock sand-pipers and belted king-fishers are among the species of shorebirds seen in the Aleutians.
On land, and in all seasons, abundant populations of eagles and ravens provide endless entertainment and photo opportunities. Click here for a complete list of the birds of Unalaska/Dutch Harbor. |
Winter is a good time to view emperor geese, species of eiders, scoters,
and oldsquaw. A number of Unalaska Island’s songbirds such as the rosy
grey-finch and the Lapland Longspur can also be viewed in the winter months.
Land-based birding tours are also available. Please see details listed under
Land-based Tours.