Expert: Roger Lederer - 12/15/2006

Question
Having never birded Alaska before where are some of the better places to bird. I plan on going probably in June and maybe staying for 2-3 weeeks. Unless you tell me there are better months I plan on going first part of June.
Thanks for your help.
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
I am planning on a trip to drive from Lou.Ky to Alaska within a year or so.What should be some of the stops along the way to see birds that I haven't seen in KY. southern Texas and southern Arizona. Please also include places in Alaska to go to as well. I will probably want to go between late spring to early fall and take about a month to a month in a half to complete. Thanks for your help. Eddie Huber
-----Answer-----
Well, that is a complicated question which totally depends upon the specific time/season when you will go. Alaska and Texas are both very different, depending on what time of year you plan to go. Certainly Big Bed National Park in Texas ought to be on your list as well as the Chiricaua Mountains in AZ. Then the coast of CA up to Juneau. AK is a VERY big state - I'd stay on the coast as much as possible. But I can't be more specific until you tell me the exact time you will be in which state. Roger Lederer

Answer
Eddie - you might want to consult http://www.camacdonald.com/birding/usalaska.htm for specific places as there are a lot of choices. Attu is popular, but hard to get to (has Asian migrants). Junel would be good as the sandpipers will be in breeding plumage and easy (relatively) to distinguish. Bring lots of mosquito repellent. Roger Lederer