Discovering Birds And Nature of Hoonah

OVERVIEW

This tour is designed for birders, nature lovers, and the insatiably curious. Journey into the lush landscape of Chichagof Island, where Brown Bears outnumber humans, and birding is an adventure. This is so much more than just another birding tour—led by an expert naturalist, you’ll discover the fascinating natural and human history of the area, gaining insight into the plants, animals, fish, forests, and rivers of this unique ecosystem. From Pigeon Guillemots and Bald Eagles to Varied Thrushes and Chestnut-backed Chickadees, each sighting is part of a larger story—the vibrant ecological web where towering temperate forests meet the rich marine life of Icy Strait. The land-based tour begins with a few stops around the town of Hoonah, including visits to a Bald Eagle nest and a small Pigeon Guillemot rookery. Here, you’ll use a high-powered spotting scope to scan the bay for seabirds, ducks, seals, sea lions, and perhaps even Humpback Whales feeding offshore. Leaving town, you’ll travel roughly 10 miles into the wilderness on gravel roads, stopping at a scenic estuary, salmon streams, or wherever wildlife sightings lead us. At a private trailhead, embark on a slow “birder’s pace” walk, searching for small birds such as sparrows, warblers, chickadees, kinglets, jays, and woodpeckers. As you walk through old-growth Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock habitats, your guide will share knowledge of the local plants and their traditional uses. The trail descends a 100-foot hill, opening into a coastal meadow, where you’ll pause to take in the view and check for bears and grassland birds.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Observe a huge variety of seabirds and other avians in their natural habitats.
• Stop at an active bald eagle nest.
• Listen for songbirds in the temperature rainforest.
• Included is a field guide booklet to 50 bird species and other wildlife commonly seen on our tours.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.