Birds Of POW

Birding on Prince of Wales provides a wealth of opportunities to visit a variety of habitats, and maybe even see some new species. The abundance of shorelines provides for a unique opportunity to see both marine seabirds, shorebirds, and forest birds at the same time. Other habitats include muskegs, meadows, estuaries and alpine habitats.

Bird Watching

While many seabirds can be seen from shore, we can't help but suggest you get out on the water for the best viewing opportunities.  Possible sightings vary by season.

In Summer on the water we are most likely to see:

  • Rhinoceros Auklets
  • Marbled murrelet
  • Common Murre
  • Pigeon Guillemot
  • Ancient Murrelet (less common)
  • Scotors (all 3 species)
  • Common Loon
  • Pacific Loon
  • a variety of gulls
  • Bald Eagles
  • Red-necked Phalarope
  • Black Turnstone
  • Surfbird
  • Oystercatcher (less common)
  • Wandering tattler (occasionally)

In Winter, many of the birds move offshore, but we have some special winter residents, including:

  • Long-tailed ducks
  • Harlequin Ducks
  • Buffleheads
  • Hooded Mergansers
Click below for a general checklist of birds as recorded in Craig. It is not comprehensive but will give you a good general idea about which birds you might see in the area.

If you are an eBird user, you might notice a lack of data from the Prince of Wales area as compared to other locations. Please note that this is due primarily to a lack of eBird users here, and not a lack of birds! We are trying to get more users to submit data so we have a better checklist of local birds. If you use eBird please don't forget to upload your lists!
Bird Checklist
Give Us A Call
907-321-5772

Trip Advisor Reviews

    star rating  We heard of this tour through renneroaming.com. I was debating the private wale watching tour and I'm so glad we booked. Out of the huge itenary I had planned this... read more

    carissaf558
    March 15, 2023

    star rating  We went on a whale watching tour with Stephanie whilst visiting Prince of Wales Island. We saw several Whales and seals (but no bears :-). Stephanie was extremely knowledgeable, professional... read more

    Kevin_Lingard
    February 21, 2023
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