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fall birding
October in Alaska
October sees the final waves of migration as most songbirds and shorebirds have departed. Waterfowl continue moving through in large numbers, and Bald Eagles begin congregating at late salmon runs. The Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines starts its legendary eagle gathering.
Chilkat River Bald Eagle congregation begins building
Late waterfowl migration through coastal corridors
Lingering vagrant species possible at western Alaska sites
Sea ducks gathering in nearshore marine waters
Trip planning notes
- Plan a visit to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines—eagle numbers build through October.
- Scan harbors and bays for arriving sea ducks like King Eiders and Harlequin Ducks.
- Daylight is shrinking fast; maximize field time during the midday hours.
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
Bald EagleHarlequin DuckKing EiderShort-eared OwlNorthern ShrikeBohemian Waxwing