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Juneau on Áak'w Ḵwáan Territory is the state capital, the third-largest city in Alaska, and the largest community in Southeast Alaska. Like many other Southeast coastal communities, Juneau is not connected to other places by a highway system, but can easily be accessed by airplane, ferry, or cruise ship. The city accommodates visitors who wish to explore the area with a variety of lodging, dining, and tour options. Many popular sites off the approximately 50 miles of road are accessible by rental car and many can even be reached via walking, bus, bicycle, or short cab rides from the airport or downtown.
As it is nestled within the Tongass National Forest, more than 300 bird species have been found in the Juneau area. When visiting Juneau expect to immediately find an abundance of Common Ravens, Northwestern Crows, and Bald Eagles. On the water in spring and late summer, Surf and White-winged Scoters are common. Marbled Murrelets are often spotted offshore. Gulls, especially Glaucous-winged, Herring, Mew, and Bonaparte’s, are common in the summer. The forested areas ring with the songs of Varied, Hermit, and sometimes Swainson’s thrushes. Other common regional songbirds include Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Pacific Wren, Oregon Junco, and Steller’s Jay.
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General Area Overview and Information Sources:
- Greater Juneau Chamber of Commerce
- Travel Juneau
- City and Borough of Juneau
- Juneau Hiking and Trails
- Bartlett Regional Hospital
Birding and Wildlife Resources:
- Juneau Birding Checklist
- eBird: Juneau
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game: Wildlife Viewing
- US Forest Service: Tongass National Forest
- US Forest Service: Juneau Ranger District, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road; (907) 586-8800
- Juneau Audubon Society
- National Audubon Society Important Bird Areas: Mendenhall Wetlands
Birding Trail Map for Juneau (click on site names for details).
Sites in Juneau
Airport Dike Trail (Taashuyee/Mendenhall Wetlands)
One of the key migratory waterfowl and shorebird stopover locations of coastal Alaska.
Auke Village Recreation Area
Bird watching from the beach will yield a diversity of waterfowl and seabirds.
Channel Islands State Marine Park
Be on the lookout for open water species here, such as Pelagic Cormorant and Common Murre.
Eagle Beach State Recreation Area
Over 200 species have been observed, including a wide diversity of waterfowl, shorebirds and seabirds.
Fish Creek Delta
This site is a popular spot for birders and is a good location for birding during all seasons.
Juneau Town Center
In the winter, watch for flocks of Pine Siskins and Common Redpolls.
Kaxdigoowu Heen Dei (Mendenhall River Trail)
An accessible, paved trail that follows the Mendenhall River, yielding great views of Mendenhall Glacier.
Mendenhall Glacier
In summer, a highlight is the Arctic Tern breeding colony.
Moose Lake Area
A tremendous diversity of waterfowl are found in this area.
Mount Roberts Alpine
Lucky hikers that reach Gold Ridge may see Gray-crowned Rosy Finch.
Outer Point Trail
The 1.1 mile Outer Point Trail connects to the Rainforest Trail for a longer hike.
Pack Creek
Admiralty Island is known to have the highest concentration of Bald Eagles in the world.
Perseverance Trail
A great habitat for Wilson’s, Yellow and Orange Crowned Warblers and cheerful singing Fox Sparrows.
Point Bridget State Park
Over 200 bird species have been detected in the park reflecting the diversity of habitats at this site.
Riverside Rotary Park
Rare ducks, such as Canvasback and even Wood Duck have been seen at this pond.
South Sawyer Glacier
Watch for Arctic Tern, Pelagic Cormorant, Marbled Murrelet, Surf and White-winged Scoter, and Black-legged Kittiwake.
Tracy and Endicott Arms
Sea kayaking is popular along the coastline with camping in a few primitive sites.
Treadwell/Sandy Beach Area
This location is the start of the Treadwell Mine Historic Trail Walking Tour.
Twin Lakes
Watch for marsh birds such as Great Blue Heron, Tree Swallow, and Red-winged Blackbird.
Birding Photo: Ben Sullender
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