Seeking advice for birding Anchorage, Seward, and Denali (1 Viewer)

Hello! My name is Kylee Wiseman and I am a student, artist, and bird-nerd from Oregon. My dad Sam and I will be traveling to Alaska from July 31 to August 9. Our plan is to rent a motorhome, begin in Anchorage, travel to Seward (for a pelagic trip to see puffin colonies), then up to Denali.

I am wondering if anyone here could give us advice on good birding spots at or en route to these places? I am especially interested in good sites to photograph birds (particularly eagles!). I am a wildlife artist specializing in painting birds, and I'm doing photography so I can get reference pictures to paint from. This year I bought a long lens, and I'm very excited that I finally have the equipment to get quality bird photos!

We’ll have one extra day at the end before we fly home; any recommendations for birding spots within a half-days drive from anywhere along that route?

Thank you in advance for sharing your knowledge of your local patch. If anyone would be willing, we would love it if a local join us to lead us on a little birding expedition! Of course, we would expect to compensate you for your guiding services.

Thank you so much for your time and expertise! I'm a newbie to this forum, but I'm hopeful that someday I can be as helpful as the veteran birders!

Kylee

I forgot to mention that I will be strictly following all public health guidelines, including wearing a mask and social distancing during all birding outings. I also will get a COVID test before leaving my state, and will only travel if I have a clean bill of health. Just wanted to clarify!