Alaska is big country. The views stretch endlessly from north to south, east to west, and the wildlife is on a grand scale. From the spinning seabird cliffs of St. Paul, porpoises bowriding in Resurrection, lynx melting into the understory at Denali, and jaegers prowling the tundra in Barrow, we did it all and saw a great deal of what Alaska has to offer.

Two of the ten alcids seen on the Pribilofs, Horned and Tufted puffins. Photos by guide Jesse Fagan.

Our birding highlights were many, including walking across the tundra to enjoy scope views of a pair of Spectacled Eiders at Barrow, a rare White-tailed Eagle flyover on St. Paul, and who could forget the entire alcid show and seabird cliffs on St. Paul? Plus both golden-plovers on the tundra at Nome (where we birded until nearly 10 p.m. with the sun well above the horizon), the Bristle-thighed Curlew march up Coffee Dome, and the amazing Bluethroat singing along Kougarok Road outside of Nome.

A Rock Ptarmigan still showing its "dirty snow" winter garb. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.

Chris and I had a great time–thanks to our great group for sharing the experience.  We can’t wait until the next big adventure.

Our two 2013 Alaska tours are offered in two parts, Part I to the Pribilofs and Denali and Part II to Nome, Seward, and Barrow. Each part may be taken separately or combined for a complete survey tour.  Dates are May 31-June 8 (Part I) and June 7-17 (Part II) with Megan Crewe and Pepe Rojas or June 7-15 (Part I) and June 14-24 (Part II) with Chris Benesh and Eric Hynes.  You may check out complete bios for our Alaska guides and their upcoming schedules at this link.

Jesse and Chris dressed for work.

“My overall Alaska tour experience was absolutely fantastic. The best part was how well Chris Benesh and Jesse Fagan took care of us. Other than remembering when to show up at hotel lobbies or restaurants, we didn’t have to think or worry about anything at all.  I’m trying to think of constructive criticisms for you but, really, I can’t come up with anything.  The entire process from start to finish met or exceeded my expectations. I’ll be joining you again.”  C.D., Alaska 2012