Birds, Science, & Education

Birds, Science, and Education Overview

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Alaska is home to about 250 regularly occurring species of birds, and they are among the hardiest and most fascinating creatures on the planet. Birds travel from six continents to breed in Alaska, including Arctic Terns from Antarctica and Northern Wheatears from Sub-Saharan Africa. In cacophonous colonies on Alaska’s rocky coast, seabirds flock by the tens of millions to nest. Bar-tailed Godwits fly nonstop from Alaska to New Zealand, without breaking for food or drink, losing 50% of their bodyweight. And Red Phalaropes are nature’s “gender benders,” with the males incubating eggs and caring for young, while females initiate courtship and don brighter colors. In short, Alaska’s birds tell some of the most interesting stories of natural history, and a growing number of people are watching birds in their backyards and on their Alaskan travels.

But tragically, many of Alaska’s birds are declining in numbers or facing threats that make them vulnerable. Alaskan birds face habitat loss, pollution, excessive harvest, loss of forage fish, human disturbance, introduced predators, and climate-induced changes to their food supply and habitat. Whiskered Auklets, endemic to the Bering Sea region, are threatened by introduced rats. Kittlitz’s Murrelets, which are highly associated with tidewater glaciers, are declining in numbers as glaciers recede. Shorebirds and seabirds are vulnerable to coastal and marine oil spills. And birds of all types are losing or facing threats to their habitats.

Audubon Alaska’s mission is to protect the wondrous birds of Alaska and their spectacular habitats, and we endeavor to do so by identifying and conserving Important Bird Areas (habitats essential for bird populations), by highlighting and conserving Alaska WatchList birds (declining and vulnerable species), and by connecting people to nature via citizen science projects like Alaska eBird.

We invite you to read more about our science and education programs, take action for conservation, and support us with a contribution.