[pecari]

Whoops - just realised I posted this message earlier in the wrong location - I put it in trip reports, just shows I will have to spend more time on this website :)

I am lucky enough to find myself with 2 days to spare in Alaska and I wanted to go to Barrow or Nome - does anyone have a recommendation as to which would be the best summer birding location?

[Joe H]

Pecari,

Greetings and good luck on your visit to Alaska! For such a short side-trip, weather may be a bigger factor than location if you are trying to see the most birds. The two locations are far enough apart that one may be sunny and nice while the other is completely stormed in. You might want to consider picking the destination a little closer to your departure date.

What time during Summer will you be in Alaska? I believe early June is considered "spring" in Nome and most of the migrants may well be early as we had a fairly mild winter this year. Barrow probably has its peak migration period a little later than Nome owing to its more northern location. Also, if you have a “must see” bird such as the Red-throated Pipit or a Bluethroat, this might also factor into you decision. There are trip reports by several people who have visited both locations on the internet - you can find them through any search engine.

To help you make your decision, try checking out the Nome-area bird list at this site:

http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/o...r7/bering.htm; If that link does not work, try the main web page at: http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/o...kbird/r7/2.htm

The list gives likely occurrance information for June, July and August.

For bird lists around Barrow, try: http://www.kingeider.net/king28.html. Again, if that link does not work, you can navigate to it from www.kingeider.net.

Lastly, have a look at the appropriate portions of George C. West’s "A Birders Guide to Alaska." Good luck on your trip!

Joe H