STIKINE RIVER
BIRDING FESTIVAL
Five Days for the Spring Migration
WHEN
APRIL 21-25, 2027
Five days. 31st annual.
WHERE
Wrangell, the Stikine River, and out the road
COST
FREE
Open to the public
BRING
Binoculars, layers, rain gear, boots for the tide flats
THE BRIDS SHOW UP FIRST
Every spring, the Stikine River Delta turns into one of the biggest staging areas on the Pacific Flyway — and Wrangell sits right next to it. Birdfest is five days of getting out to see it, with field trips, speakers and workshops built around the arrival.
It's free, open to the public, and timed for the peak of the migration.
1,600
120+
EAGLES AT PEAK
SPECIES RECORDED
5
31st
DAYS OF BIRDFEST
ANNUAL FESTIVAL
WHAT SHOWS UP,
AND WHEN
Eagles start arriving in early February, landing out all over town waiting for the hooligan fish to start up the Stikine River in April. Sea lions also congregate on the islands north of Wrangell to wait.
Trumpeter swans can be found at Pat's Lake. Shorebirds move in and the sandhill cranes start flying overhead in flocks of hundreds.
WHERE TO BIRD
Most of the good spots are walkable or a short ride out the road. A few take a boat.
IN AND AROUND TOWN
CITY PARK
Harlequin Duck, Barrow's Goldeneye, Varied Thrush, Chestnut-backed Chickadee.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
Swainson's and Hermit Thrush, Marbled Murrelet, Bald Eagle. Half a mile up from downtown.
PETROGLYPH BEACH
Surf Scoters, Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Go at low tide.
SHAKES ISLAND
Harbor birds, right in the middle of Reliance Harbor.
VOLUNTEER PARK TRAIL
Forest and muskeg loop. Good for songbirds.
MUSKEG MEADOWS
The golf course doubles as open muskeg habitat.
OUT ON THE STIKINE
ZIMOVIA HIGHWAY BIKE PATH
Shoreline birding without leaving the pavement.
SERGIEF ISNLAND
Snow Geese, Black Swifts, Vaux's Swift, American Pipit.
THE DELTA
The main staging ground. Boat access.
MALLARD SLOUGH
One of the best places to be during migration.
BIRD RESPONSIBLY
The principal ethical rule for birdwatchers should be to have no impact on birds.
Notice bird behavior. If you see birds changing theirs, it may be because of yours.
Don't use bird calls to lure birds — it can divert a bird from other important duties such as feeding its young.
Keep your distance and don't intentionally flush. This can leave chicks hungry or let predators take eggs or young.
Leave injured or "orphaned" birds alone.
Bird quietly in groups, respect private property, and follow public-land regulations.
When bird watching from a road, pull as far onto the shoulder as possible.
Stay on trails. Don't remove brush or move dead branches for a better view.
Pack out what you pack in, plus what others may have left behind.
Report injured raptors to the US Forest Service at 907-874-2323 or the Wrangell Police Department at 907-874-3304.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Birdfest runs five days in late April, timed to the migration.
Events are free and open to the public.
Field trips and boat trips have limited space — sign up early.
Book lodging ahead; late April is the front edge of the season.
Bring binoculars, layers, rain gear and boots for the tide flats.
The birds are on their own schedule. Bring the rain jacket either way.
MORE WRANGELL EVENTS
SPRING
MILK RUN
MUSIC FEST
EARLY JULY
FOURTH OF JULY
LATE SUMMER
ALASKA BEARFEST
YEAR ROUND