Skagway Town Center

Lush trees and gardens provide excellent habitat for birds!

Downtown Skagway provides a wide variety of birding. It is easily accessible by walking on level ground with mostly paved surfaces. Plus, there are many amenities close by. Skagway takes pride in being a “garden city.” Lush trees and well-kept gardens provide habitat for birds, and birdfeeders in yards are great for seeing hummingbirds. The historic district includes the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, the municipal Skagway Museum, and restored Gold Rush-era buildings. There are many opportunities to learn about the history of the town.

During the spring, summer, and fall, birders can see a wide variety of birds including both the Oregon and Slate-colored forms of Dark-eyed Junco, Townsend’s Warbler, Northwestern Crow, Rufous Hummingbird, Swainson’s Thrush, Tree Swallow, Violet-Green Swallow, Belted Kingfisher, and even the occasional raptor such as Northern Goshawk or Merlin chasing birds preoccupied at feeders. This is one of the few areas in Southeast Alaska where Chipping Sparrows nest in the summer. During the winter, Common Raven, Black-billed Magpie, Pine Grosbeak, Bohemian Waxwing, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Pine Siskin, Brown Creeper, and Golden-crowned Kinglet may be found.

Pullen Pond is located near the intersection of Second Avenue and Spring Street where the railroad tracks cross the road. Pullen Pond is a popular picnic area with interpretive signs. A trail encircles the pond and connects to creek-side trails going upstream and downstream. Trails are easy walking on mostly level ground, including sidewalks and gravel pathways. In the spring, summer, and fall look for American Dipper, Great Blue Heron, Dark-eyed Junco, ducks, warblers, and swallows. In the winter, look for American Dipper, ducks, and gulls.

Directions:

The roads and avenues of Skagway town proper provide easy walking on sidewalks or boardwalks. Limited parking on side roads can be found away from the historic district.