Spotting Arctic Terns in Juneau, The Bird with the World’s Longest Migration
When you think about wildlife in the Alaskan capital, odds are, whales, bears, and bald eagles come to mind. But there are many other animals that can be seen in this spectacular destination. That includes the bird with the longest migration of any other animal on Earth, the Arctic tern. Spotting Arctic terns in Juneau is possible for many visitors. Like some of us humans do, they spend their summers here.
If you plan to visit Juneau and have any interest in birds, you’ll want to read on to learn more about the Arctic tern and where you can spot them.
The Animal With the Most Impressive Annual Migration
The Arctic tern makes an annual journey from the Arctic Circle to the Antarctic Circle, traveling a minimum of 25,000 miles round trip. However, one particularly dedicated tern managed to set the world record in 2016, it flew nearly 60,000 miles by meandering across continents and oceans instead of flying directly south or north.
The tern weighed less than a quarter pound and completed the longest migratory flight ever record in the Farne Islands off the northeastern coast of England. It was one of 29 Arctic terns that Newcastle University researchers electronically tagged with ultra-light geolocators that set off from the Farne Islands in July 2015. The record-setting bird flew along the west coast of Africa, over the Indian Ocean, to Antarctica, and over the Weddell Sea before arriving back on May 4, 2016.
This small coastal seabird was perfecly made to fly long distances. Lightweight with short legs, small bodies and narrow wings allow them to glide through the skies on a breeze.
Arctic terns are easily recognizable with their bright red webbed feet and sharp beaks. They have a cap of black feathers on their heads while their bodies are covered with most white and some gray feathers. You’ll see them around coastal areas where they dive into the water to catch small fish. They’re incredibly efficient at catching and eating, plunging into the water to scoop up the fish, often eating as they glide through the air. They don’t spend much time in the water, only as long as it takes to grab a bit as swimming is just not their forte.
Flying from pole to pole, these animals spend most of their year at sea chasing an endless summer. As the seasons are reversed in the Southern and Northern hemispheres, when winter approaches in their Arctic breeding grounds, they head to where summer is just starting, the Antarctic.
Where to See Arctic Terns in Juneau
places in Southeast Alaska to watch them. The lakeshore offers safe refuge for raising their chicks. This allows the birds to make use of the long daylight hours to search for their food, found in abundance in the nearby ponds and sloughs. As they fly in, you’ll notice their flight is reminiscent of kites on the wind, similar to butterflies, or even dancers.
Records have shown that Arctic terns have long been observed at and around Mendenhall Glacier. They’ve used it as their summer breeding grounds since the 1920s, and perhaps even earlier. Of course, a century ago, the glacier was in a different location and several miles longer. They’ve had to shift their nesting grounds multiple times.
There are other birds that can be seen from Photo Point too, including spotted sandpipers and semipalmated plovers. Along the lake, there’s a big mixed colony of herring gulls and glaucous-winged gulls. Visiting nearby Steep Creek, you can see American dippers throughout the year, hile yellow warbler and warbling vireo are often seen around the Moraine Ecology Trail and Nugget Falls. Pop into the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center to find out more. Many of the staff are birdwatchers themselves and happy to share their knowledge.
The Easiest and Most Luxurious Way to Watch Arctic Terns & More
Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is 12 miles from downtown Juneau. If you hope to see Arctic terns (along with the glacier, waterfalls, and moss-draped rainforest), you’ll need to take the bus, rent a car, or join a tour. Those on a tight schedule such as cruise passengers, and anyone who wants to make the most of their time, should consider a private excursion through Alaska Luxury Tours. Not only is luxury transport provided to and from your ship at dockside (or your accommodation), but you’ll be led by a naturalist guide.
A variety of experiences are available like the Rainforest & Waterfalls Trek that includes a visit to Mendenhall. As all can be personalized according to your interests, your guide can help point out the birds and other highlights as well as provide insight into the animals and more. Plus, instead of having to compete with all the others in a group, you’ll have your own expert right at your side to answer any questions.