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Logo bar of the Alaska Public Lands Information Center which are located in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Tok and Ketchikan
Kittiwakes rest on an iceberg
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Bird Festivals Throughout Alaska
 
Rufous Hummingbird
Rufous Hummingbird

Alaska Hummingbird Festival - Ketchikan, Alaska
April, 2012 (all month)
Through the month of April, this festival celebrates the return of migratory birds back to Alaska. The most notable bird at this festival is the Rufous hummingbird, who begins arriving in Ketchikan in mid-March. The festival includes guided hikes, art shows, activities for children, and many other birding events. For more information visit our Southeast Alaska Discovery Center page.



A Northern Pintail glides across a still pond.
USFWS
Northern Pintail

Spring Migration Celebration - Fairbanks, Alaska
April 28th, 2012
Come to this much anticipated annual celebration of spring migration at Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge. Scheduled to coincide with the peak of bird migration, the program consists of bird and wildlife viewing, information booths of local conservation organizations, nature walks, and activities for the whole family such as puppet shows, crafts, and games. Activities will take place both at Creamer's Field and Alaska Public Lands Information Center. This free event is cooperatively presented by Friends of Creamer's Field, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the Alaska Bird Observatory, the Arctic Audubon Society, the Alaska Public Lands Information Center, Ducks Unlimited, and the US Fish & Wildlife Service. For more information visit:
www.creamersfield.org

 



shorebirds in Cordova, Alaska taking flight
Shorebirds taking flight in Cordova, Alaska

Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival - Cordova, AK
May, 2012 (exact date TBA)
This week long festival is usually held in early May and is a great experience and a wonderful sight to see. As many as 5 million shorebirds rest and feed in Cordova during the spring migration. There are opportunities for bird watching, hiking, presentations, community events, and many more activities fun for all ages. For the most current information on 2012 festival dates visit:
http://cordovachamber.com/index.



Shorebirds leaping into flight
ADF&G
Shorebirds found at Kachemak Bay during the festival

Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival - Homer, AK
May 10th-13th, 2012
In early May, over 130 bird species migrate to Kachemak Bay. Sandhill cranes, Arctic and Aleutian terns, Pacific Golden-Plover, Bristle-thighed curlew, horned puffins, and Red-necked stint are only a few bird species you might see. The festival includes fun and educational activities for any level of birder and all ages. For more information about the festival and events visit the Homer Chamber of Commerce's Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival website



A peregrine falcon stares intently at the camera.
NPS
Peregrine Falcon

Upper Tanana Migratory Bird Festival - Tok, AK
May 12, 2012
This festival, now in its eleventh year, has become a welcome tradition in Tok. Sponsored by the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge, the one-day festival often includes a morning bird tour, several kids' activities, a junior duck stamp art competition, a young naturalist competition, and a live bird presentation. For more information visit:
http://tetlin.fws.gov/news_room.htm



A Black-Capped Chickadee perches on a tree branch in the sunshine.
USFWS
Black-Capped Chickadee

Kenai Birding Festival - Kenai, AK
May 17th-20th, 2012
This festival is open to birders of all ages and experience levels and will include kids' activities, guided birding excursions and even a kenai river birding float complete with local birding experts. For more information visit:
kenaibirdfest.com



An Aleutian Tern with prey in its beak takes flight.
USGS/Martin Renner
Aleutian Tern

Yakutat Tern Festival - Yakutat, AK
May 31st - June 3rd 2012
One of the largest and southernmost breeding colonies of Aleutian Terns exists near the small coastal town of Yakutat. The 2nd annual Yakutat Tern Festival will be hosted by the Yakutat Chamber of Commerce, the US Forest Service and several other partners and will build on the success of the festival's first occurrence in 2011. The events last year included Field trips, kids' activities, native cultural events, an art show, and several seminars. For more information about the festival visit:
www.yakutatternfestival.org



A Sandhill Crane walks across a large grass meadow.
Sandhill Crane

Tanana Valley Sandhill Crane Festival - Fairbanks, Alaska 
August, 2012 (exact date TBA)
Join us for this celebration of the abundant fall migration. The Tanana Valley Sandhill Crane Festival is co-sponsored by the Friends of Creamer's Field, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Arctic Audubon Society, the Alaska Bird Observatory, the Alaska Public Lands Information Center, and the Northern Alaska Environmental Center. For more information please visit:
www.creamersfield.org



An adult Bald Eagle perched in a tree.
NPS
Bald Eagle

Alaska Bald Eagle Festival - Haines, AK
November 14th-18th, 2012
This event is hosted by the American Bald Eagle Foundation and the city of Haines, Alaska. Many events are located at the American Bald Eagle Foundation museum, where you can attend wildlife workshops, tours and presentations. There are also visits to the Alaska Bald Eagle Preserve to witness the "Gathering of the Eagles". Usually, over 3,000 eagles can be found there during this time of year. For more information about the Alaska Bald Eagle Festival visit:
www.baldeaglefestival.org



A black-legged Kittiwake perched on a coastal cliff.
USFWS
Black-Legged Kittiwake

Stikine River Birding Festival - Wrangell, AK
April 26th-29th, 2012
The Stikine River Delta sees thousands of birds congregate at its waters each spring to feed on the plentiful fish known as 'hooligan' including thousands of bald eagles. In concert with this natural event, the city of Wrangell hosts an annual festival sponsored by the US forest Service that includes activities and seminars open to the community. For more information visit:
alaskabirdfest.com
 
a brown headed bald eagle, bald eagles don't get their white feathers until they reach the age of five years old Did You Know?
Bald eagles with white heads and tails are at least five years old and considered adults. Until about five years old, the juvenile bald eagles have dark brown feathers on their head and tail.