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spring birding
May in Alaska
May is one of Alaska's most exciting birding months. Shorebird migration peaks on the coast with spectacular concentrations of Western Sandpipers and Dunlin. Arctic breeders arrive in Nome, and seabird colonies activate on coastal cliffs. The entire state pulses with avian activity.
Peak shorebird migration on Copper River Delta and Cook Inlet
Arctic-breeding species arriving on the Seward Peninsula
Seabird colonies activating along the coast
Songbird migration flooding the boreal forest
Trip planning notes
- The Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival in Cordova is a must-attend event in early May.
- Book Nome lodging early—May is the prime window for Asian vagrant species at Gambell.
- Pack binoculars and a scope; shorebird flocks can number in the hundreds of thousands.
Regional reality check
Conditions vary enormously across Alaska. Southeast Alaska, Anchorage, the Interior, Nome, the Aleutians, and the Arctic coast can have very different weather, access, migration timing, and daylight in the same month. Treat statewide averages as orientation, not a local forecast.
Key species in the dataset
Western SandpiperBar-tailed GodwitBluethroatArctic WarblerRed-necked PhalaropeYellow Wagtail