Bird Watching at Lake Clark National Park

Located in southwest Anchorage, Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is one of the many revered parks in southwest Alaska. With 4,030,015 acres, the park has many streams and lakes that play a vital part in the salmon fishery business of Bristol Bay. Lake Clark, which is the origin of the park’s name, is included amongst them.

Major Attractions at Lake Clark National Park

Birdwatching at Lake Clark National Park is a popular activity. Rather than going out of your way to observe birds, you can join all the other programs in the park. In the process, you are bound to come across many species.

Lots of people visit the park for the adorable brown bears. Some come here for camping and backpacking, taking in the scenery, and enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning. If you are into the wild, Richard L. Proenneke is probably one of your icons. The man built his cabin with his own hands. The cabin happens to be on Upper Twin Lake’s south shore. You can visit it if you want to.

There are enough lakes in the park that the thought of fishing comes into your mind at least once. Fortunately, the park allows for fishing, fulfilling this desire of yours. For hiking, the trails are Tanalian Trails, Beaver Pond Trail, and Tanalian Mountain. In winter, you can come to the park to bike on the frozen lakes. Summer allows for kayaking and canoeing. Some people specifically enjoy powerboating. Rafting is another beloved activity. Since the state of Alaska allows for sports hunting, if that is something you wish to do, you can with permission.

Bird Watching at Lake Clark National Park

Out of 564 bird species in Alaska, 187 were spotted in Lake Clark National Park. Plenty of shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors, and seabirds have been sighted in the park. The Peregrine Falcon, which used to be once on the endangered list, is found nesting on the Tuxedni Bay coastline. Attached to Lake Clark, the Chulitna Flats, and the foothill region, which is in Chigmit Range’s west, are both important grounds for feeding and nesting for different bird species.

One of the best sights in Lake Clark National Park is being able to observe the Golden-crowned Sparrow. White-winged Scoters, Sea Ducks, and Surf Scoters are some of the most common waterfowl spotted on the coasts. Almost all the wetland areas have waterfowl molting and nesting.

Red-throated Loons, Barrow’s Goldeneye, American Wigeon also breed on the coasts. Ducks are seen on the side of the coasts during spring. This includes Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Common Eider, and Northern Pintail.

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10 Birds to See at Lake Clark National Park

Peregrine Falcon

Peregrine Falcons are blue-gray with spots on their underbelly. They live throughout North America. They make their homes in open country and along coastal mountains. Their population is currently stable and increasing after a sharp decline. Peregrine Falcons eat other birds such as ducks, songbirds, and Pigeons. Peregrine Falcons are one of the largest Falcons and also one of the fastest birds. They can reach speeds up to 200 mph as they dive down to
capture their prey. People often train Peregrine Falcons for hunting. These Falcons like to build their nests on cliff ledges and lay 3 to 5 eggs. They migrate along the coastline and often go out to sea.

American Wigeon

American Wigeons are brownish-gray with a green stripe behind the eye and a white cap. You can find them throughout North America. Their population is stable with their range expanding into the northeast and Canada. American Wigeons have short bills that help them eat vegetation from fields easily. They make their homes in marshes, lakes, and fields. American Wigeons eat mostly plants such as algae, eelgrass, and wild celery. They migrate in flocks, moving during the day.

Canada Goose

Canada Geese are brown with a black neck and white marks along their chin. They live all throughout North America. Their population continues to increase as many are managed in wildlife refuges. Canada Geese enjoy making their habitat in open water and also on lawns near a water source. They move through the sky in a V-formation. Their diet is mostly plants of all kinds and occasionally seeds, berries, and small fish. They lay 4 to 7 eggs on the ground near
water. At one time they followed a strict migratory pattern, but now many are permanent residents in refuges.

Horned Puffin

Horned Puffins are black and white with a yellow and red rounded bill. They are seabirds that nest on the islands and coasts of Alaska. Their population in Alaska is abundant but has declined on the islands. They make their homes on sea cliffs near the ocean. These Puffins enjoy eating fish. They carry their fish crosswise in their bill and can carry up to 65 fish at one time! They only lay 1 egg and build their nests in a burrow underground. Horned Puffins do not migrate, but their patterns are not known, since they are found in different locations.

Golden Eagle

Golden Eagles have beautiful gold feathers, a strong beak, and large talons. They live in western North America. Historically, there has been a decline in their population, but their population is now steady. They make their habitat in open country and mountains. Golden Eagles are one of the fastest and largest raptors in North America. Golden Eagles enjoy soaring with their steady wings to hunt for small animals such as squirrels. They lay 1 to 3 eggs and usually build their nests on ledges of cliffs. Golden Eagles found in the north migrate, but most are permanent residents.

American Golden-Plover

American Golden-Plovers are graceful, gold, and black speckled shorebirds. They also have a white stripe from the crown of their head to their neck. They live in the midwestern region of North America. American Golden-Plovers make their homes on prairies, shores, and in the tundra. Their population is limited now due to the loss of their wintering habitat in South America. American Golden-Plovers eat insects such as flies, beetles, and snails. They lay 3 to 4 eggs and once they hatch the young birds find their own food. They migrate from Canada to South America. American Golden-Plovers make the longest migration journey of any shorebird.

Hairy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpeckers are black and white with two white stripes on their head. They are found throughout North America. They have declined in their population, but are still fairly common. These Woodpeckers make their habitat in forests, shade trees, and river groves. Hairy Woodpeckers eat insects but can be found eating sunflower seeds in backyard feeders. Hairy Woodpeckers are permanent residents, but those that live in the north move south for the winter.

Dark-eyed Junco

Dark-eyed Juncos have a gray-brown body with bright white tail feathers. They are found throughout North America. They are abundant and widespread with no risk to their population. Dark-eyed Juncos make their homes in open or partially wooded areas. They have a twittering call and a trilling song. Dark-eyed Juncos eat insects and seeds. They lay 3 to 5 eggs and build their nests on the ground, hidden under branches or rocks. Dark-eyed Juncos are migratory birds; however, those already residing in the south are permanent residents.

Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadees are gray and white with a black cap. You can find them throughout North America. They are a common bird with an increasing population. These birds live in shade trees and groves. They are easy to attract backyard feeders because they like seeds. They also like insects and berries. Black-capped Chickadees lay 6 to 8 eggs in holes they make in trees. They are not migratory birds; however, some groups have been seen going south in the fall.

Northern Goshawk

Northern Goshawks are mostly gray with white stripes and orange-red eyes. They have short, but broad wings with long tails that help them fly. Northern Goshawks live in the northern region of North America. Their population in the north has seen a recent increase; however, the birds in the southern mountains are threatened. Northern Goshawks are secretive birds that live in forests, which makes them hard to see. Their diet consists of small mammals and birds. They lay 2 to 4 eggs in platform nests high up in trees. Not all Northern Goshawks migrate, but the birds that do, migrate south in late fall and early spring.

Final Thoughts

Lake Clark National Park is a birding hotspot where you can mainly find coastal or sea birds. The birds who feel secure nesting on the rocks, other nesting grounds close to the sea, and other water bodies end up here. These types of bird species tend to be wary of humans. It is recommended you maintain a respectable distance from them while birdwatching.

Ornithology

Bird Watching Academy & Camp Subscription Boxes

At the Bird Watching Academy & Camp we help kids, youth, and adults get excited and involved in bird watching. We have several monthly subscription boxes that you can subscribe to. Our monthly subscription boxes help kids, youth, and adults learn about birds, bird watching, and bird conservation.

Bird Watching Binoculars

The most common types of bird watching binoculars for viewing birds at Lake Clark National Park is the 8×21 binoculars and 10×42 binoculars. Bird Watching Academy & Camp sells really nice 8×21 binoculars and 10×42 binoculars. You can view and purchase them here.