Southeast Alaska Birding Trail Gustavus

Lake Gustavus

A good birding spot for both waterfowl and passerines.

On the southeast side of the airport is an area known locally as Lake Gustavus. This relatively small freshwater lake provides a relatively unique habitat in the Gustavus area. The lake is adjacent to deciduous and coniferous trees and sparsely forested muskeg areas and has a road around the lake.

This combination of habitats makes this a good birding spot for waterfowl and passerines, with ample spots for ride-side parking. Likely encounters at this site include a wide range of swallows, kinglets, thrushes, sparrows, warblers, flycatchers, and a wide variety of waterfowl including Trumpeter Swan, Bufflehead, Canvasback, Ring-necked Duck, Green-winged Teal, Mallard, and Canada Goose.

Directions:

From Gustavus drive 1.6 miles east toward the airport. At the airport, turn left and follow the road around the south end of the airport to the east side of the airport, approximately 1 mile. The road will loop around Lake Gustavus with roadside parking.

Ring-necked Duck.
Ring-necked Duck. Photo: Janet Covell

Birding Resources:

Species Checklist:

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