Follow the most intrepid avian breeders to the northernmost city in the U.S., where the 24-hour sunlight of mid-June thaws the tundra in fast forward, ice and snow rapidly giving way to an eruption of tundra plants and insects just as the birds arrive to breed. Birders head to Utqiagvik (formerly known as Barrow) in the spring for several reasons: the chance to see all four species of eiders; to look for arctic specialties like Snowy Owl, Yellow-billed Loon, and Buff-breasted Sandpiper; and to experience the cacophony of displaying shorebirds competing to pass on their genes during the brief Arctic summer. Utqiagvik is also the end of the road for wayward strays heading north and in recent years a staggering list of vagrants have occurred, including Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush, Redwing, Fieldfare, Temminck’s Stint, Nashville Warbler, and Siberian Chiffchaff! Of course, the possibility of seeing a polar bear, Arctic fox, or walrus and birding in the land of the midnight sun are top attractions as well.
The tour price includes three nights’ lodging in Utqiagvik, all meals in Utqiagvik, ground transportation in Utqiagvik, all permits, and WBA guide in Utqiagvik. The trip begins and ends at the Utqiagvik Airport. Airfare to/from Utqiagvik is not included. There are typically one or two Alaska Airlines flights each day from Anchorage to Utqiagvik. Please book your travel to Utqiagvik on the earliest available flight on arrival day (June 18) and the latest flight returning to Anchorage on departure day (June 21). Price is based on double occupancy. Single supplement is $600 ($200/ night).
