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Pribilof Islands

Alaska · Alaska

ChallengingOfficial Site
Habitat
CoastalTundra
Best Seasons
Summer
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

May-July

Entrance Fee

Free (travel arrangements required)

Hours

Open 24 hours

About This Location

The Pribilof Islands in the Bering Sea are among the most remote and exciting birding destinations in North America. St. Paul Island hosts massive seabird colonies numbering in the millions, and its position makes it the top location in the US for Asian vagrant species blown off course.

Location

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Notable Species

Red-legged KittiwakeLeast AukletThick-billed MurreMcKay's BuntingAsian vagrants

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Yellow-billed Loon

Gavia adamsii

3/3/2026Kodiak Is.--Dead Man's Curve1 observed

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

3/3/2026Glacier Bay NP--Bartlett Cove1 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

3/2/2026Seldovia (town)5 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

3/2/2026Homer Spit--Boat Harbor entrance1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

3/1/2026Gustavus--Forelands1 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

3/1/2026Amaknak Island, Unalaska US-AK 53.87809, -166.561001 observed

Bohemian Waxwing

Bombycilla garrulus

3/1/2026Amaknak Island, Unalaska US-AK 53.87809, -166.561002 observed

Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

3/1/2026Old Matanuska Townsite1 observed

Harris's Sparrow

Zonotrichia querula

2/28/2026Sitka (town)1 observed

Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

2/27/2026Old Matanuska Townsite1 observed

Kittlitz's Murrelet

Brachyramphus brevirostris

2/26/2026Valdez, Alaska, US (60.905, -147.27)3 observed

Harris's Sparrow

Zonotrichia querula

2/26/2026606 Sawmill Creek Road, Sitka, Alaska, US (57.054, -135.33)1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

2/26/2026Covenant Life Marsh6 observed

Red-tailed Hawk

Buteo jamaicensis

2/25/2026Soldotna - Clarence Dr.1 observed

Brant

Branta bernicla

2/24/2026Shemya Island--Eareckson AS (restricted access)1 observed

Brant

Branta bernicla

2/24/2026Shemya Island--Eareckson AS (restricted access)1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

2/24/2026Kodiak Is.--Kalsin Pond and Olds River Estuary143 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

2/24/2026Kodiak Is.--Lake Rose Tead Causeway14 observed

Northern Shoveler

Spatula clypeata

2/24/20261 Park Road, Gustavus, Alaska, US (58.456, -135.869)2 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

2/24/2026Hillstrand Pond1 observed

Recent Observations

European Starling

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Alaska Regional Office

3/4/2026

1 birds

Pine Siskin

(58.3870,-134.6545)yard and feeders 3866 Seaview

3/4/2026

6 birds

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

(58.3870,-134.6545)yard and feeders 3866 Seaview

3/4/2026

1 birds

Dark-eyed Junco

(58.3870,-134.6545)yard and feeders 3866 Seaview

3/4/2026

2 birds

Boreal Chickadee

Hillside Park, Anchorage US-AK 61.14173, -149.77594

3/4/2026

2 birds

Redpoll

Hillside Park, Anchorage US-AK 61.14173, -149.77594

3/4/2026

2 birds

Common Raven

Far North Bicentennial Park, Anchorage US-AK 61.14490, -149.77868

3/4/2026

2 birds

Steller's Jay

Hillside Park, Anchorage US-AK 61.14471, -149.78404

3/4/2026

1 birds

White-winged Crossbill

Hillside Park, Anchorage US-AK 61.14298, -149.78423

3/4/2026

1 birds

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Hillside Park, Anchorage US-AK 61.14298, -149.78423

3/4/2026

1 birds

Surf Scoter

707a Sandy Beach Road, Petersburg, Alaska, US (56.814, -132.923)

3/4/2026

8 birds

Red-breasted Merganser

707a Sandy Beach Road, Petersburg, Alaska, US (56.814, -132.923)

3/4/2026

2 birds

Harlequin Duck

707a Sandy Beach Road, Petersburg, Alaska, US (56.814, -132.923)

3/4/2026

2 birds

American Crow

707a Sandy Beach Road, Petersburg, Alaska, US (56.814, -132.923)

3/4/2026

4 birds

Glaucous-winged Gull

707a Sandy Beach Road, Petersburg, Alaska, US (56.814, -132.923)

3/4/2026

3 birds

Song Sparrow

3231 Ptarmigan Pass St, Kodiak US-AK 57.81742, -152.36413

3/4/2026

1 birds

Lincoln's Sparrow

3231 Ptarmigan Pass St, Kodiak US-AK 57.81742, -152.36413

3/4/2026

1 birds

Black-capped Chickadee

99507, Anchorage US-AK 61.14104, -149.78627

3/4/2026

1 birds

Black-billed Magpie

Island View Drive

3/4/2026

8 birds

Pine Grosbeak

13141 Lupine Rd, Anchorage US-AK (61.1015,-149.7508)

3/4/2026

1 birds

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Book with a birding tour company for logistical support

  2. 2

    Weather can be extreme; bring layers for cold, wind, and rain

Amenities

Restrooms

Nearby Attractions

  • St. Paul Island Fur Seal Rookeries

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Pribilof Islands for birding?▼
The best months to visit Pribilof Islands for birding are May-July. The best seasons are Summer.
What birds can I see at Pribilof Islands?▼
Notable species at Pribilof Islands include Red-legged Kittiwake, Least Auklet, Thick-billed Murre, McKay's Bunting, Asian vagrants. The area supports coastal, tundra habitats.
How difficult is birding at Pribilof Islands?▼
Birding at Pribilof Islands is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
Is there an entrance fee at Pribilof Islands?▼
The entrance fee at Pribilof Islands is Free (travel arrangements required). Hours: Open 24 hours.
What amenities are available at Pribilof Islands?▼
Pribilof Islands offers the following amenities: Restrooms.