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Birding in Homer Alaska

Tufted Puffin - Copyright USFWLS - Photographer SowlsNestled on the shore of Kachemak Bay, Homer is a birder's delight and a "must see" for all travelers to Alaska. Perched between boreal forest, alpine tundra, temperate rain forest, and a productive marine environment, the area accommodates a rich diversity of birdlife in all seasons and spectacular abundance at particular times. The purpose of this website is to provide you with all the information you need to plan your visit and to meet your birding needs when you get here.


Homer location mapHomer is located on the southern edge of the Kenai Peninsula and can be reached by a scenic 4 to 5 hour drive from Anchorage or by regular commercial flights. Excellent services and a range of accommodations ensure your traveling comfort and safety. Complete listings and a tourist guide are available from the Homer Chamber of Commerce .


Homer's weather is strongly influenced by the ocean so birders should be prepared with appropriate clothing and foot gear. Temperatures along the coast are generally between 50 -70 degrees F in the summer, down to freezing in Spring and Fall, and 10 - 40 degrees F in winter. As you go inland, temperatures can be substantially warmer in summer and colder in winter. At all times of the year, winds can be significant. It is recommended that birders bring layers of clothing to accommodate changing conditions, including warm hats, gloves, and socks as well as rain gear and waterproof boots. Traveling on the water, with wind and humid air, it will seem much colder than the air temperature would indicate. Homer receives much less rain than many coastal communities ( 24 in. per year) but there is always a possibility of getting wet.


Red-necked Phalarope - Copyright USFWLS - Photographer D. MenkeIt is strongly recommended that birders bring spotting scopes to provide the best views of marine birds from the beach, shorebirds out on the mud flats, and waterfowl out on the lakes. There are several places where public scopes are available but you can not take them with you!



Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival 2008

Surfbirds - Copyright and Photographer Karl StoltzfusThe annual Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival sponsored by the Homer Chamber of Commerce and the US Fish & Wildlife Service will be held in the year 2008 on May 8-11. Over 100,000 shorebirds pass through this region and great viewing opportunities exist on the Homer Spit. For more information on the Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival contact the Homer Chamber of Commerce at telephone number (907)235-7740, visit the website or e-mail shorebirdster@gmail.com


Last update 3/26/2008

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This site sponsored by the Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival Steering Committee.
Web site design by Rich Kleinleder: leder@xyz.net and Karl Stoltzfus: bay@xyz.net.
Contact them for suggestions or improvements to the site.
Photographs provided by US Fish & Wildlife Service, Rich Kleinleder & Karl Stoltzfus
copyright 2001 by USFWS