Winter and Summer, this tour operates year-round. This is a unique birding experience – rather than trying to check off every bird on a long list, our tour focuses on the birds that are unique to the season of the year and the other wildlife that share their ecosystems. We specifically try to focus on threatened an endangered birds and other wildlife, contributing to ongoing citizen science simply by observing animals in the wild!

We will experience our local birds, the ecosystem that supports them, and of course the keystone megafauna mammal species with whom they share their space. This tour is special because rather than a whirlwind, long tour in which we try to find every species, we focus on bird families and highlight how the patterns of migrations and flux in the environment/seasonal changes interplay with one another.

Depending on the season, we may discuss and observe: 

• raptors (eagles, falcons, owls, hawks, etc.)
• charismatic megafauna
• mammals (moose, bears, lynx, hares…)
• coastal birds
• migratory birds
• divers and dabblers
• songbirds

Whether you are an experienced birder, new to birding, or you simply love our feathered friends, this tour is a great way to learn more and experience our favorite local bird species. This is more than a birding tour – it is a holistic look at how the local ecosystems vary and interact to support the thousands of bird species that live here both year-round and on a migratory basis.

• Meet at our off-downtown HQ at 1343 G. St. where we will hand out any gear needed, make sure our paperwork is in order, and start our adventure.
• Departure: This is a 6 hour tour, transportation provided in our passenger eco-adventure van, and we depart from and return to our HQ at 1343 G St. offering transportation from our HQ to our birding destination.
  • 8am meet-up: van departs no later than 8:20
  • 10am meet-up: van departs no later than 10:20
• First stop: Westchester Lagoon. We will spend time here observing the wildlife and birds thriving in this environment, seeing first-hand the wild-urban interplay at work.
• Second stop: Potter’s Marsh. Another coastal wildlife refuge, this marsh has a long history of human development and then rehabilitation. We will discuss this history in addition to the ecology of the marsh and the birds that live there.
• Drive down the scenic byway to the AWCC. On the van ride to the AWCC, we will give an informative tour as we drive down one of the most scenic byways in the word; we may see dall sheep on the cliffs, beluga whales in the ocean, fishermen casting nets and lines for subsistence fishing, and raptors, gulls, and ravens circling above. We will discuss how geology, glaciology, biology, ecology, and human activity (and human history in the area) create the ecosystems and local culture we have in Alaska today.
• Once at AWCC, we will have the chance to observe a myriad of megafauna in addition to the birds there and see the conservation efforts that are ongoing. We will give an informed discussion at the facility, or you may choose to be self-guided. We will meet back up for a quick stop at the gift shop before loading up in the van and returning to Anchorage. AWCC is a non-profit 
• Return:
  • 8am meet-up: van returns around 2:00 pm
  • 10am meet-up: van returns around 4:00 pm
• The Van returns to the HQ; however, you may choose to get dropped off at the museum or closer to downtown for your convenience – just let your guide know! 
• Reviews! In order to let everyone else know about your amazing experience, don’t forget to leave a review after your trip! 
• Any questions? Contact us anytime prior to your trip. We know your Alaska trip has probably been a dream you’ve held for some time, and we want to do our best to make it the best for you! During your trip, please communicate any needs, questions about Alaska, or concerns you may have and we will do our best to make sure you have the experience of a lifetime. 

Make sure you: 

• pack a lunch and water for yourself and other participants in your group;
• wear appropriate outer gear for the season – it can get windy, so an impermeable rain/wind coat is a good idea. In winter, wear a winter coat, wind/warm pants, boots, hat, gloves, and a buff/balaclava;
• don’t have the above gear? Ask us! We are happy to help you stay warm while we are checking out these amazing animals.
• Our local guides are paid well above the market rate – because we believe everyone should have a job they are proud of that can support a happy and healthy lifestyle. You may tip if you would like to, but it is not expected or required. Rather than tipping us, consider donating that money to the AWCC when you stop by the gift shop at the end of the tour!

• certified local Alaskan guides who are passionate about environmental and wilderness education;
• tour includes the price of admission to the AWCC;
• binoculars;
• trekking poles;
• birding and wildlife hand-outs and books to use for reference;
• seasonal gear as needed – hats, gloves, hand warmers, gaitors;
• transportation in our passenger eco-explorer van;
• snacks, hot cocoa/tea; 
• expert local advice and knowledge. 

Spoken: English

Written: English (coming soon: Spanish, Mandarin, French, German)

• 75% refunds will be provided 7 or more days prior to the program/camp date.
• No refunds will be provided within 7 days of the program date.

Please click the button below and make sure you’ve completed our waiver of release and trip/program policies before we start our adventure.

Save time! We will get these signed at the start of the tour if they haven’t been done ahead of time.