Kotzebue
Wildlife Viewing
Description
Kotzebue is Alaska’s second largest Inupiat Eskimo village. Anchored to Alaska’s northwest coast, it offers excellent opportunities for viewing some of the arctic’s most interesting species of birds. Kotzebue also provides a portrait of the lives of Alaska natives and of the economic and cultural importance of wildlife to the state’s indigenous peoples.
Viewing Information
Wonderful birding opportunities exist during spring migration, especially from mid-May through mid-June. The area offers an intriguing juxtaposition of brackish wetlands, lagoons, moist upland tundra, and thickets of willow and alder. Ducks, geese, shorebirds, songbirds, and jaegers are abundant. Birders may also enjoy observing tundra swan, sandhill cranes, short-eared owls, and Alaska’s state bird, the willow ptarmigan.
Directions
Kotzebue is served by commercial air service from Anchorage and Fairbanks.
Contact
Kotzebue Municipal offices or (907) 442-3401