Gustavus - Forelands

Alaska · Alaska

Habitat
Boreal/TaigaCoastal
Best Seasons
Summer
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-August

About This Location

Gustavus - Forelands is a productive birding destination in Alaska, with 253 species recorded on eBird. This boreal/taiga and coastal habitat attracts Great Blue Heron, Short-eared Owl, and Belted Kingfisher among many others. Summer brings an explosion of breeding activity, with shorebirds, seabirds, and raptors nesting across the landscape.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

3/3/2026Glacier Bay NP--Bartlett Cove1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

3/1/2026Gustavus--Forelands1 observed

Northern Shoveler

Spatula clypeata

2/24/20261 Park Road, Gustavus, Alaska, US (58.456, -135.869)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Great Blue Heron

13/3/2026

Short-eared Owl

13/3/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/3/2026

Canada Goose

2653/2/2026

Common Raven

13/1/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

33/1/2026

Song Sparrow

13/1/2026

Trumpeter Swan

23/1/2026

Gadwall

203/1/2026

Mallard

403/1/2026

Surf Scoter

253/1/2026

White-winged Scoter

403/1/2026

Black Scoter

143/1/2026

Long-tailed Duck

63/1/2026

Bufflehead

63/1/2026

Barrow's Goldeneye

13/1/2026

Common Merganser

23/1/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

23/1/2026

Sanderling

503/1/2026

Marbled Murrelet

13/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for boreal specialties like Boreal Chickadee and Spruce Grouse.

  2. 2

    Check spruce and fir stands for crossbills and other irruptive finches.

  3. 3

    Prepare for mosquitoes and long daylight hours during summer birding.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Gustavus - Forelands for birding?
The best months to visit Gustavus - Forelands for birding are June-August. The best seasons are Summer.
What birds can I see at Gustavus - Forelands?
Notable species at Gustavus - Forelands include Great Blue Heron, Short-eared Owl, Belted Kingfisher, Canada Goose, Common Raven. The area supports boreal/taiga, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Gustavus - Forelands?
Birding at Gustavus - Forelands is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Gustavus - Forelands?
Gustavus - Forelands offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.