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Alaska's Arctic is the spring destination for many migratory birds and provides an incredible opportunity for birders to view and study many North and South American birds all in one location and in splendid comfort without having to travel to remote locations.
Snow geese spend 3 - 10 days on the Kenai flats, just 10 miles from kamp, feeding and resting before continuing their journey north. On the flats, you will also likely see Greater White Fronted and Taverner's Canada Geese, Eurasian and American Widgeons, and Northern Pintails. You can also see Swans, Sandhill Cranes, and other migratory birds.
Here at the kamp, we have frequent American Bald Eagle visitors. The island in front of kamp is a favorite perching spot for Bald Eagles and we occassionally have
an Osprey around. The Eagles have become so friendly that they will come and land on the riverbank right in front of the main lodge. These magnificent birds are truly awesome when they come swooping by.
There are Barrow's Golden Eyes and Common Golden Eyes that feed in the river in front of kamp each year when the ice goes out. We also see shore birds as they start moving through the area along with migratory hawks.
We have many varieties of other birds that live in and around our coastal areas. Each spring, there is a Shorebird Festival
in Homer, 75 miles south of kamp. Hundreds of thousands of Shorebirds stop in Kachemak Bay on their annual migration north
to the Arctic. Many species of song birds frequent the feeders at kamp all summer long.
Every fall, the Stellars Jays frequent the kamp. This jay has become quite tame and comes every day tofeed on peanuts. We have on one occassion gotten him to take a nut from the hand. He is really quite cheeky. His vibrant blue feathers offer the photographer a great opportunity at catching a really beautiful shot. If we don't put out the peanuts, we get scolded. He will often peck at the window to get our attention.
Also close to kamp is the Kenai National Moose Refuge which provides habitat for many different birds in addition to moose
and other Alaska wildlife. The refuge boasts of some 75 different species of birds having been seen on the refuge.
There are also birding hotlines in the area where you can check to see what has most recently been spotted.
To find out which birds have been seen recently in the Homer area, call the US Fish and Wildlife Service Bird Hotline at
907-235-7337. There is also a new Bird Hotline in Soldotna sponsored by the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge at 907-262-2300.
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