Audubon Alaska Launches Anchorage Birding Trail

ANCHORAGE, Alaska—The Anchorage Birding Trail is an interactive guide designed to help residents and visitors discover some of the best birding locations across the Anchorage region. From coastal viewing areas along Cook Inlet to forested parks and alpine ridgelines, the trail highlights the remarkable diversity of Anchorage birds like Arctic Terns, Sandhill Cranes, and Willow Ptarmigan, as well as Indigenous place names for some of the sites and the city's hidden gems along the way.

“Be it swans on Westchester Lagoon or eagles at Potter Marsh, birds are one of the unique features that make Anchorage a truly special place to live and visit,” says David Krause, Vice President for National Audubon Society’s Alaska Program. “It’s our hope that the Anchorage Birding Trail will foster a greater appreciation for the wonder of birds, while contributing to sustainable economic development across the municipality.”

The project builds on Audubon Alaska’s broader work to develop birding trails statewide as tools for conservation education, community engagement, and sustainable nature-based tourism. Bird tourism in Alaska draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and supports thousands of jobs, demonstrating how conservation and recreation can work together to benefit communities and wildlife.

Many of the sites are also part of the Anchorage park and trail system, including Cheney Lake, Sand Lake, and Kincaid parks.

“Anchorage parks and greenbelts on our urban trail system offer accessible ways to connect with nature while providing important habitat for migrating and resident birds,” says Anchorage Park Foundation Deputy Director Michelle LeBeau. “The Anchorage Birding Trail makes it easier for people to discover these places and enjoy some of the best birding our city has to offer.”

Audubon Alaska is celebrating the official launch of the Anchorage Birding Trail with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, May 27, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Westchester Lagoon, followed by a guided bird walk led by Audubon Alaska staff. Additional information and registration details can be found on the event registration page.

Media contact: Lauren Cusimano, Audubon Alaska Communications Manager, lauren.cusimano@audubon.org, 907-433-5300

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About Audubon Alaska

Since 1977, Audubon Alaska has been conserving the spectacular natural ecosystems of Alaska for people, birds, and other wildlife. Audubon Alaska uses science to identify conservation priorities and support conservation actions and policies, with an emphasis on public lands and waters. Audubon Alaska is a state office of the National Audubon Society. Learn more at audubon.org/alaska.