This is a small beach offering great views of Monti Bay. Covered shelters make this a good choice on rainy days. Fish scraps from the nearby cannery attract large numbers of gulls. Northwestern Crow and Common Raven are opportunistic feeders here. In summer, Mew, Bonaparte’s, Herring, and Glaucous-winged gulls predominate, but a rarity is always possible.

Black-legged Kittiwakes and both Arctic and Aleutian terns may be feeding as well, along with more sea-going species such as Pelagic Cormorant, Marbled Murrelet, and Pigeon Guillemot. During migration, shorebirds such as Dunlin and Western Sandpiper may appear. It is a good place to see uncommon seabird species that arrive during big storms. Keep an eye out for marine mammals such as harbor porpoises, harbor seals, and whales.

Directions:

From the intersection, drive or walk south towards the ocean on Ocean Cape Road. In approximately 0.1 miles, veer to the right, downhill toward the bay, continuing to stay to the right. Drive along the water toward the cannery and the Alaska Marine Lines dock to the Sandy Beach pavilion and picnic area. The total distance is half a mile with a parking and picnic area, adjacent to a small playground, is located on the right side of the road.

Birding Resources:

• eBird Hotspot: Yakutat--Sandy Beach and Cannery

Bird Species Checklist:

• Yakutat checklist