Southeast Alaska Birding Trail Juneau

Juneau Town Center

In the winter, watch for flocks of Pine Siskins and Common Redpolls.

Downtown Juneau bustles with visitors in the summer, but you’re never more than a few blocks from good places to see new birds. The docks and Douglas Island Bridge overlook Gastineau Channel, which hosts a variety of waterbirds. Look for Marbled Murrelets, Surf Scotesr and Common Mergansers. Pigeon Guillemots can be viewed at close range roosting under the docks.

Town edges and pocket parks all offer opportunities to see forest songbirds. This is the place that many people hear the lush trill of a Varied Thrush, or see their first Chestnut-backed Chickadee. Rufous Hummingbirds probe the edge habitat, and venture into yards with feeders. In the winter, flocks of Pine Siskin, Common Redpoll, and occasionally Pine Grosbeak or Bohemian Waxwing can be found.

Directions:

Fly, ferry or arrive in Juneau by cruise ship. Cruise ships dock in the heart of the capital. The ferry terminal is 12.5 miles from the city center, and the airport 8 miles away from downtown.

Pine Siskin.
Pine Siskin. Photo: Karla Kishinami

Trail Information:

Birding Resources:

Bird Species Checklist:

Other Resources:

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