Bird Watching at Gates of the Arctic National Park

In northern Alaska, the Gates of the Arctic National Park work to protect parts of the Brooks Range. This park is the United States’ most northern park and is basically at the Arctic Circle’s north. The 8,472,506 acres makes it the US’ second largest park. To give you a good idea, the park is a bit larger than Belgium.

Major Attractions at Gates of the Arctic National Park

Gates of the Arctic National Park is simply a stunning place. The place is mostly mountains and rivers. A lot of these places are frozen in winter. There are so many things one can do in the park. For one, sightseeing in itself is an
enjoyable activity. In the process, you can observe the birds and the wildlife, too. There are not that many trees in the place. It is all open land. You can do things like go on a boat ride or hike up to the mountains. There is the option of going rock climbing, too. The mountains are not too tall if you are scared of heights. In a place with this amount of frozen ice, there is one thing that you must do. You guessed it! It is ice sledding. Camping and backcountry visits are some of the best parts of the park.

GET KIDS BIRD WATCHING

Bird Watching at Gates of the Arctic National Park

Alaska has a total of 564 species of birds. In the past 30 years, Gates of the Arctic National Park has had the fortune of hosting 145 species on its grounds and waters. Because of the long summers and the daylight that never seems to fade, many migratory birds end up in the park in summer.

Songbirds, raptors, aquatic ones can be both spotted and heard in different areas of the park. For those who come to hike or boat in the rivers, birdwatching is a part and parcel of the activities. If one specifically wants to birdwatch, places like Anaktuvuk Pass, Bettles, Coldfoot, and the path of the Dalton Highway are good points.

About half of the birds in the Gates of the Arctic National Park appear to be the aquatic type, so rivers are your best friend while birdwatching. Additionally, birds are always more active in the early hours of the day or in the evening. The sun never sets in summer in the park so you can either begin early in the morning to find birds or roam
the park late to spot some. Year-round, you may find the Willow and Rock Ptarmigan. Lapland Longspur, Northern Wheatear, and American Golden-Plover have all chosen this as a stopover point.

10 Birds to See at Badlands National Park

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.

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.

Arctic Tern

Arctic Terns are a pale gray color with a black cap, red bill, and red legs. They have long, pointed wings when seen in flight. You can find them in northern Canada and also in Antarctica. Arctic Terns have declined in population, but they are not endangered. They eat mostly fish, some crustaceans, and insects. This Tern lays 1 to 3 eggs in a nest on the ground. They make their home along rocky coasts and islands. They migrate offshore.

American Kestrel

American Kestrels are very colorful. They have a blue-gray head, with rusty-red wings, back, and tail. These birds live throughout North America. Their population in the north has declined by a small amount, but everywhere else their population is steady. They make their homes in open country, farmlands, and wood edges. American Kestrels are the smallest falcon in North America. They can be found on wires or poles hunting for food. American Kestrels mostly eat large insects and some small mammals. They lay 4 to 6 eggs and build their nests in dead trees, cliffs, or dirt banks. American Kestrels found in the north migrate to the south; all others are permanent residents.

Dark-eyed Junco

Dark-eyed Juncos have a gray-brown body with bright white tail feathers. You can find them 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. These birds 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.

White-crowned Sparrow

White-crowned Sparrows are a gray birds with black and white stripes on their head and a yellow bill. They live throughout North America. Their population is widespread and common. They make their homes in forest edges, thickets, gardens, and parks. White-crowned Sparrows are winter birds that frolic in fields and along roadsides. They can be found on the ground looking for insects to eat. White-crowned Sparrows along the Pacific Coast are permanent residents. The ones from the north and mountain regions migrate south.

Great Gray Owl

Great Gray Owls are covered in gray feathers with a white "bow tie" across their neck. They live in the north, mainly in Canada. Their population is stable, although they have seen some declines in the south. They make their homes in dense forests and in meadows. Great Gray Owls are powerful Owls that can be