March 14, 2006
Alaska is for the BIRDS!
If you are like most people the first animals that come to mind when you think of Alaska are what naturalist coin "Charismatic Mega-fauna." You know these critters- breaching humpback whales, lumbering grizzly bears, or the daunting moose. A little known secret is that Alaska is a haven for little guys with wings. Even if you are not a "birder" you will not be able to avoid the up-close opportunities that will be afforded you on your trip through Alaska.
Bird watching is the second most popular outdoor hobby in America and the fastest growing of all outdoor recreational activities. Its easy to do and is attractive to all ages. From my home in Juneau my eight year daughter has her own pair of binoculars is always on the lookout for a new bird sighting. She is lucky because Alaska has 471 different fascinating species of birds. There is always a new avian friend for her to spot. Birders in North America are not considered serious unless they have been to Alaska. The variety of ecosystems is only matched by the abundance of the populations. Never seen an eagle? In Alaska you may see 50 at one time. On your trip through Alaska you may discover you can't help becoming a birder too!
Recently the State of Alaska issued a challenge to proudly promote our little stars. Through the "Wings Over Alaska" program, if you are able to spot 50 different species of birds while in Alaska, the State will send you a signed certificate documenting that fact. If you are able to spot 100 you will be eligible for another certificate. If you spot 250 different species of birds, the Governor of Alaska will sign your certificate himself! If you are booked on our "In Harriman's Wake" you have an excellent chance of knocking off most of that list. You can learn more about the challenge at the State of Alaska's website at the link provided.
If you would like to take up the State's challenge, ask your Cruise West guides upon arriving in Alaska. We have bird check lists and helpful advise on where to start. Most of our ports offer easy guided hikes conducted by Cruise West guides that are especially designed to get you to some truly beautiful locations with great birding opportunities. Once on board your vessel, your Exploration Guide and Captain will be working to get you those up-close spottings. Is a tufted puffin next on your list? Your Exploration Leader will know when and where it is best to look for him. As you head North the quest continues. On our Land Extensions your Exploration Leader will open up the viewing possibilities in the interior of Alaska. It is possible to spot 50 different birds all in the shadow of Denali.
You have wisely chosen a trip to Alaska that gets you up-close and personal. Make the most of it and enjoy the birds!
Larry Johansen is Cruise West's Southeast Alaska Regional Manager. He is a second generation Alaska native, raised in Ketchikan, and for the past twenty years has lived in Juneau with his wife and two children while traveling throughout the region for Cruise West. Larry has traveled to more than 40 countries around the world and enjoys mountain climbing and photography. He claims to have ridden on a camel and an elephant before ever riding on a horse. Larry is the first person in the country to be certified by the National Association of Interpretation to train guides and has served two terms on the Board of Directors for AWRTA- Alaska's Ecotourism organization.
Posted by Larry on March 14, 2006 9:20 AM
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