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Kodiak Island is perhaps one of the most overlooked birding destinations in Alaska, and birding there in early spring is one of our best-kept secrets! We venture to Alaska’s largest island to enjoy an impressive collection of wintering waterbirds, including hundreds of Emperor Geese, good numbers of Steller’s Eiders, and Red-faced Cormorant. Away from the water, we might find Boreal Owl, Northern Hawk Owl, or American Three-toed Woodpecker.

An Emperor Goose in early morning light. Photo Aaron Lang.
Watching this Northern Hawk Owl successfully catch a vole was a thrill! Photo Aaron Lang
Large flocks of Emperor Geese winter on Kodiak Island. Photo Lucas DeCicco.
Red Crossbill, Kodiak, Alaska. Photo Aaron Lang.
A pod of Orcas cruises the narrow channel in front of the Kodiak Harbor. Photo Aaron Lang.
A Crested Auklet and a Harlequin duck seek shelter in Dog Bay, Kodiak. Photo Aaron Lang.
Emperor Geese stretch in the morning light at Kodiak. Photo Lucas DeCicco.
A Steller's Sea Lion stakes his claim. Photo Aaron Lang.
Steller's Eiders winter along the Kodiak road system. Photo Aaron Lang.
Rarities occasionally find their way to Kodiak and join the already exciting list of wintering birds. This Common Pochard took up residence for much of the 2015-2016 late winter. Photo Aaron Lang.
An after dinner attempt for Boreal Owl proved successful. Photo Aaron Lang.
Steller's Eiders display to each other at Kodiak. Photo Lucas DeCicco.
The insignis race of Song Sparrow is a common year-round resident on Kodiak Island. Photo Lucas DeCicco.
A highlight of any trip is watching Northern Hawk Owls hunt. Photo Lucas DeCicco.