If the mere thought of spotting a bald eagle or red-eyed vireo sets your heart aflutter, start planning a trip to Juneau for May or June. Millions of birds travel to and through Juneau due to its unique and accessible combination of mountains, forests, wetlands, and intertidal habitat. This provides visitors with extensive and diverse birding opportunities. More than 300 species of birds follow the flyways of the state's Panhandle and more than 280 species nest in Juneau. Come to Juneau in May for the peak of the spring migration, or visit in June to observe nesting birds.

"Wings Over Alaska" is Alaska Fish and Game's free program to recognize those who've spotted 50 to 275 of the 471 species in Alaska. The Web site contains bird checklists, information on how to document birds, and a platform to share observations.

Top Viewing Areas

The Mendenhall Wildlife Refuge and Juneau airport wetlands provide some of the best and most accessible birding habitat in Juneau.

Point Bridget State Park and Cowee Creek, about 41 miles north of Juneau near the end of the road system, is a diverse mix of forest, meadow, and marine habitats.

The Mendenhall Glacier forelands include small lakes and dense shrubs and trees. A variety of species of birds rare elsewhere in the area are regularly found here, including American Redstart, Northern Waterthrush, Vaux's Swift, Gray-cheeked Thrush, and Warbling Vireo.