Join Arctic Audubon Society in exploring Interior Alaska birding hotspots this spring migration! Birders of all levels are welcome, especially beginners. All walks are free and led by local experts.
Please pre-register for field trips using the links provided. This assists group leaders in planning. Email us if you have questions.
Sunday, April 14, 2024: Delta Junction spring migration trip, 8 AM- 6 PM
Male and female Northern Pintail (Photo by Ken Whitten, Wildlife & Wood)
Greet some of the first spring migrants to return to the Tanana River Valley! On this all-day trip you will explore the Delta Junction area for waterfowl, raptors, and other early migrants. Meet at the Creamer’s Field Farmhouse parking lot at 8 AM sharp. We will try to carpool. Dress for walking in snow (possibly mud) and bring lunch, snacks, and water. Trip led by Ryan Arash Marsh.
Saturday, May 4, 2024: Tanana Lakes Recreation Area, 8 - 11 AM
Meet at the boat launch parking lot. This mixture of lakes and forest are enticing to waterfowl, raptors, shorebirds, and early-season songbirds, which makes Tanana Lakes a great place for spring bird watching.
Saturday, May 11, 2024: Spring Birds at Creamer's Field, 8 - 11 AM
Meet at the Creamer’s Field farmhouse parking lot. We will explore the ponds and ephemeral wetlands of Creamer’s Field for returning waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds, as well as check for lingering waterfowl in the front fields. Trips led by Jeff Walters and April Harding Scurr.
Saturday, May 18, 2024: Birding by Ear at Creamer's Field, 8 - 11 AM
Meet at the Creamer’s Field farmhouse parking lot. What do you hear? Returning songbirds stake out nesting territory by singing, and this is a hopping time of year! Learn more about identifying birds by sound. Trip led by J J Frost.
Saturday, June 1, 2024: Riedel Nature Reserve, 9 AM - 12 PM
Meet at the Audubon Riedel Nature Reserve. Explore Riedel and learn about the songbirds and forest birds that call it home. Bring a lunch or snack, and some people may find walking sticks are helpful. (Parking is at the Fairbanks North Star Borough site accessed off Amanita Road, first left after Milky Way.) This trip led by Darla Theisen and Gail Mayo.
Saturday, June 8, 2024: Twelve-Mile Summit, 8 AM - 5 PM
Meet at Creamer’s Field farmhouse. We will leave promptly at 8 am to explore high-elevation areas for specialists such as surfbirds, plovers, Northern wheatears, and more. This approximately a 4-5 mile hike will include moderate hiking with elevation gain. We will make stops along the way looking for yellow-bellied flycatcher, olive-sided flycatcher, and Wilson's snipe, among others. Please dress for the weather at higher elevation and bring your lunch, snacks, and water. Frank Keim and Ryan Arash Marsh will lead the trip.
Saturday, August 10, 2024: Wickersham Dome Birding and Blueberries, 8 AM - 5 PM
We will look for migrating Northern Wheatears and other higher-elevation birds, and maybe some good blueberry patches. Meet at Creamer’s Field farmhouse. This trip will include moderate hiking with elevation gain, possibly 5-6 miles. Please register using the link if you plan to attend. Frank Keim will lead the trip. Contact Frank at 775-762-3510 if you have questions.
Sunday, August 25, 2024: Fairbanks FALL Birding HotSpots Tour, 8 am - 12 pm
Carpool to Fairbanks’ best fall birding spots. Meet at the Creamer’s Farmhouse parking lot at 8 am. This trip is part of the Tanana Valley Sandhill Crane Festival.