Late summer is an excellent time to look for Aleutian Terns in Homer. Photo Aaron Lang.
The diverse maritime and mountain habitats of Kachemak Bay are our focus for this four day tour. Perched on the north side of Kachemak Bay, the small picturesque town of Homer provides an ideal setting for some of Alaska’s best mid-summer birding. Our trip is timed to target sought after breeding birds like Kittlitz’s, Marbled and Ancient Murrelet, Red-faced Cormorant, Aleutian Tern, Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel, American Three-toed Woodpecker, Boreal Chickadee, and White-winged Crossbill. The timing is also perfect for catching the peak of the southbound shorebird migration. Although the fall migration attracts less attention than spring, it too offers a wide diversity of species, including Surfbird, Black Turnstone, Wandering Tattler, Bar-tailed Godwit (rare) and Pacific Golden Plover.
In addition to birding by van and foot, we will take two half-day boat trips on Kachemak Bay. One of these trips will target breeding birds in the inshore waters of the bay, while the other will head out to the offshore waters at the mouth of Kachemak Bay to search for tubenoses, gulls and whales. If the weather prohibits us from going to the mouth, our trip will include two boat trips to inshore waters. In 2011 up to three Long-billed Murrelets spent the summer in Kachemak Bay feeding with thousands of Marbled and Kittlitz’s Murrelets. A Long-billed Murrelet was spotted in Kachemak Bay again in 2013 and 2014. While the chances of repeating these sightings are small, we’ll be on the look-out for this very rare visitor from Asia as we pick through the murrelet flocks in the bay.
With its dramatic scenery, beautiful beaches, numerous art galleries, and fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities, Homer is one of Alaska’s most popular destinations. This trip is perfect for birders traveling with non-birding companions who are looking to add a few days of serious birding to their Alaska vacation.
The price includes: lodging, lunches and ground transportation in Homer; two boat trips on Kachemak Bay; WBA guide. You are responsible for transportation to Homer and your breakfasts and dinners in Homer. Homer is a 5 hour drive or a 40 minute flight from Anchorage. Price is based on double occupancy. Single supplement is $300 ($100/night).