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The community of Sitka is located on Baranof Island, adjacent to the open waters of the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by the Tongass National Forest. Sitka is part of the traditional homeland of the Tlingit people who have lived in the area for thousands of years. Sitka is a large town by Southeast Alaska standards, with a population of over 8,000 people, and it easily accommodates visitors hoping to explore the area. The town supports a significant amount of summer tourism as well as commercial fishing and other businesses dependent on the natural resources of the area.

More than 230 bird species have been documented in the Sitka area. It boasts a significant seabird colony, as well as other attractions for birders such as the Alaska Raptor Center.

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General Area Overview and Information Sources:

• Sitka Chamber of Commerce
• Sitka Vistors Bureau
• Town website
• Sitka Ranger District 
• Sitka Medical Clinic

Birding and Wildlife Resources:

• Sitka Birding Checklist
• eBird: Sitka
• Alaska Department of Fish and Game: Wildlife Viewing
• National Park Service: Sitka
• Alaska Raptor Center