Northeastern Alaska is a flyway funnel into the arctic breeding grounds, with species from the Central Flyway, Pacific Flyway and possible Asian species to be found on this adventurous tour 350 miles from Anchorage. We’ll bird in an unspoiled landscape that serves as great habitat, including a day of birding the Dalton Highway, along with the Creamer’s Field Waterfowl Refuge, adjacent to Wedgewood Sanctuary.

Daily Itinerary

The Tour is scheduled during the 24-hour daylight found in the subarctic summer. The tour begins when you are picked up at the Fairbanks Airport, and shuttled to the hotel. We begin birding almost immediately after checking into our base camp hotel at The Creamer’s Field MWR and locally unique locations within the city, such as Tanana Lakes Recreation Area. (For eBird users, the county is Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska.)

Day 1: We will be birding several Fairbanks hot spots, which are good for American Three-toed Woodpecker and Black-backed Woodpecker, Solitary Sandpiper, Northern Shrike, and possibly Bohemian Waxwing. In the morning, we will bird on the University of Fairbanks campus at recreational lakes and ponds, and in the Chena River riparian area. In the afternoon, we will make our way out of the urban area. Driving slowly to Murphey’s Dome for Canada Jay, both Crossbills, Pine Grosbeak, and mixed flocks of finches, siskins, and sparrows.

Day 2: We will venture into the wilds of the Dalton Highway. Our goal will be to seek Hawk Owl, Boreal Owl, Varied Thrush, Grey-cheeked Thrush, Swainson’s Thrush, Hermit Thrush, Redpolls, Smith’s Longspur, Lapland Longspur, and Snow Bunting, all in breeding plumage. We will be out birding all day.

Day 3: In the morning, we will bird on the University of Fairbanks campus, at recreational lakes and ponds, and in the Chena River riparian area. In the afternoon, we will make our way out of the urban area. Driving slowly to Murphey’s Dome for Canada Jay, both Crossbills, Pine Grosbeak, and mixed flocks of finches, siskins, and sparrows. This is our final day and we’ll use the sunlight to our advantage to bird continually.

Day 4: We depart for home.