Alaska has no shortage of birds. Eagles number in the thousands and seagulls in the millions. Here is just a small sample of the many types of birds found here.
Bald Eagle (and one Raven)
Bald Eagles, a rarity in most other parts of the world, are quite abundant in Alaska. Ravens are even more abundant and it's not a rare sight to see both perching in the same tree. |
Canada Geese
Canada Geese are very plentiful in Alaska during the summer months. The arrive in the spring and lay their eggs and by the time fall arrives the young geese have grown and are capable of flying south with their parents. |
Harlequin Ducks
Harlequin Ducks get their name from their coloration--red, blue, purple, and white. They are somewhat common in the rivers and lakes towards the interior. |
Mallards
When most people think of ducks, the mallard is probably the one that comes to mind. Mallards are probably the most abundant duck in most parts of Alaska. Like most migratory birds in Alaska, they spend their summers here and fly south for the winter. |
Northern Hawk Owl
The Northern Hawk Owl lives in open coniferous and deciduous forests. It, like other members of the hawk family, lives on rodents and other small animals. |
Sea Gull
Seagulls number in the millions in Alaskan waters. 13 different types of gulls are somewhat common in Alaskan waters, and at least six other species are not native but may occasionally stray into Alaska. Gulls are scavengers and play a key role in cleaning up the remains of dead fish and other animals in and near the water. |
Tundra Swan
Tundra Swans are a somewhat common sight in Southcentral Alaska during the spring and fall as they stop in many lakes and ponds on their way to their summertime homes. They usually nest on upland tundra near lakes and ponds. |
Copyright © Douglas Gates
