Utqiagvik (Barrow) Birding Hotspots

Birding Barrow

Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) seen feeding on the sea ice adjacent to Cake Eater Road

Utqiagvik, North Slope, AK

Jun. 12, 2017

After spending three summer field seasons in Utqiagvik (formerly and colloquially known as Barrow), Alaska with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (studying shorebirds), I was frequently asked by visitors about birding hotspots in eBird, or the nature of access to specific sites. I decided the easiest way to approach this was to create a page explaining access to the sites I was most familiar with, as well as what species one could expect to find there. All of my experience in Barrow has been from the summer months. That said, these sites could be visited at any time of year (though I don't recommend visiting in the dead of winter if your goal is to see birds).

Just a note, because I have been working for USFWS, I know very little about which hotels are the best, etc... I have heard that all are fairly expensive (not surprising given the cost of living in Barrow), and there are only three or four choices. The same can be said about restaurants. This resource may be most useful to the independent birder who is doing the trip alone or with friends without a guide. All of the major American bird tour companies usually run a late-June/early July trip to Barrow, and if you happen to be on one of these, your guide will probably know where to go for which species. In that case this page may serve as a primer to help prepare you for what to expect.

General Information about Barrow
Utqiagvik (hereafter "Barrow") is the northernmost continuously inhabited village in the United States. Point Barrow, a sandy spit extending approx. 8.5 miles north of town is the northernmost point-of-land in the United States (general info about life in Barrow can be found here). Because of its position in the high Arctic, Barrow receives continuous sunlight from mid-May to mid-August. While the sun dips low to the western horizon from about 12:00am to 3:00am, the sun never truly sets below the horizon until mid-August. This means that visitors can bird with daylight at any hour. Despite this continuous sunlight, most birds seem to exhibit reduced activity during the period of most indirect sunlight (during the period when the sun dips low). However, the softer glowing light of the evening/night is often a better time for photography.
The climate in Barrow is relatively dry and cold. The average temperature for much of the summer (depending on the year) is usually around 40F though the often brisk wind usually makes it feel colder. It is often cloudy and/or foggy in Barrow. Fog is particularly prevalent at cooler times of day. Snow melt varies from year-to-year, with the majority of the tundra opening up in mid May in early years and snow lingering into July in late years. Fortunately, mosquitos aren't usually an issue until mid to late July when a calm, warm, (50F to 60F) day usually results in large clouds of mosquitos. While these insects cannot as-of-yet breed in the Barrow area, they do get blown up to Barrow from the interior (where they are famously abundant). The only shrubs in Barrow consist of low-growing willows (more ground cover than anything). This means any human-made structures act as a windbreak and often attract vagrant passerines.
Many of the birders I have talked to have opted to buy food from the local supermarket rather than eat at restaurants for every meal. There are two or three grocery stores in Barrow (the AC is the largest), and the prices of goods are higher (compared to those in the lower 48). Goods are mostly transported to Barrow via airplane, and options are largely limited. Similarly, the price of gas is exorbitant (and there is only one station in town). It was about $6.50 per gallon on average while I was in Barrow (I don't remember the specific price for each year). From what I've heard, all of the gasoline in Barrow comes via a ship during the summer (once per year) and is stored in tanks. The price is set based on the expense of shipment and the cost of gas at the time it was purchased, but I think this price is virtually the same all year. While filling up with gas will be expensive, the road system doesn't cover a large area, so chances are you'll only have to fill up once before returning a rental car if you're visiting for two or three days.
The high latitude also means that general species richness is relatively low. Barrow is nothing like Western Alaska (e.g. Nome), and many of the species regular on the Seward Peninsula are quite rare in the immediate Barrow area (e.g. Arctic Loon, Bluethroat, White Wagtail, Northern Wheatear, etc...) What Barrow does have to offer are all 4 species of world eiders (Common, King, Spectacled, and Steller's), Yellow-billed Loon, Snowy Owl, and the most diverse assemblage of breeding shorebirds in the high arctic.

Lagoon near "Downtown" Utqiagvik, North Slope, AK

It is important to remember that ALL of the land surrounding Barrow (and the town itself) falls under the jurisdiction of the Ukpeagvik Inupiat Corporation (UIC) which is a Native Alaskan corporation that facilitates the business and land-use practices of the village, as well as providing representation in business and political situations concerning Barrow (and much of the North Slope Borough surrounding the village). For more information, please visit their website: UIC Alaska
The UIC has been quite accommodating to researchers and tourists alike in Barrow, and tourism/research has become an important facet of the Barrow economy.

I bring this up because in order to walk on the tundra or off the roads, visitors MUST purchase a permit from the UIC headquarters. In addition, please remember that there is quite a bit of research taking place on the tundra surrounding Barrow, so while a permit may allow you to walk off-road, there are some areas that should probably be avoided (please keep a wide berth if you encounter colorful surveyor flags, these are used to mark nests). The boardwalk off of Cake Eater Rd (just before the gas plants) is one such area of intensive research. Finally, Barrow is home to several Threatened and Endangered species including the Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus), Steller's Eider (Polysticta stelleri), and Spectacled Eider (Somateria fischeri). Please exercise appropriate caution while interacting with these species. Do not approach Polar Bears too closely (they are carnivores), and do not approach Eiders (or any nesting birds for that matter) so closely that they flush. This increases the likelihood of predation from Arctic Foxes (Vulpes lagopus) and Jeagers (Stercorarius spp). Depending on the conditions in a given year, birds may already be facing high nest mortality, so increased disturbance to nests should be avoided.

Barrow Hotspots
I have included links to the main birding hotspots (all hotspots on eBird) in Barrow below. Additional tips and considerations, including access and what one might expect to see at a given spot are included. There are a limited number of roads and locations in Barrow. Two or three days is plenty of time to cover all of Barrow's birding spots multiple times (especially if you don't mind missing out on some sleep). Some spots, like the Cemetery are in the middle of town (and very near the King Eider and Airport Inns) and can be covered many times on the way to and from places further afield. Sea watching on the Chukchi Sea (the coast west of Barrow) is best done in the morning when the sun will be at one's back (on clear days). Those wishing to sea watch at night or in the evening may want to do so at the north end of Stevenson Rd (overlooking Elson Lagoon, looking eastward) for the same reason. Also important to note, unless one is visiting after about July 4th, there will likely still be extensive shore ice present. Sea watching under these conditions can still be productive, even if the ice extends to the visible horizon. The key is to look for leads and polynyas (open patches in the ice) and scan these with your scope. Many marine birds often concentrate in these patches (especially ducks). The presence of sea ice also may increase one's chances of detecting the phantom Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnean). A word of caution however, this species is quite rare in Barrow during the summer and young Glaucous Gulls (Larus hyberboreus) flying at a distance with heat distortion can look remarkably white. In other words, Ivory Gull certainly isn't expected, and virtually always associated with sea ice. For whatever reason they don't trip the eBird filter, so every season I was driven crazy by reports of Ivories flying over Cake Eater Road, etc...

Point Barrow

Point Barrow, North Slope, AK

The northernmost point-of-land in the United States, Point Barrow is about 8.5 miles north of Barrow itself. However, the last three or so miles of this gravel spit requires a 4WD vehicle and visitors must have purchased a land use permit from UIC in order to visit this area. This area lacks any substantial vegetation or structure save for a few large metal dumpsters, a fair amount of refuse, and the skeletal remains of many a cetacean and pinniped (the product of decades of subsistence harvest). It makes for an interesting visit on this final merit alone as it is not everyday one gets the opportunity to touch the massive skull of an Arctic Leviathan. The geography of this site makes it a good place to search for vagrants tucked among the marine mammal bones, or to sea watch.
The conditions at Point Barrow are often much colder and windier than in town (though this isn't always the case). The Point is an area where special caution should be paid with regard to Polar Bears. These marine predators have been seen in Barrow in all months of the year, but are particularly likely on the Point where they may swim during the spring break up to partake in whatever viscera may be lingering from the spring whale hunts. It is worth keeping an eye out and staying in small groups. Staying close to a vehicle is also a good idea.
A little further south at the North end of Stevenson Rd and the "Duck Camp" evenings are often punctuated by large groups of eiders (several hundred per flock, mostly King but also some Common a few Spectacled and Steller's may be seen) that fly over land here from the Beaufort Sea into the Chukchi Sea in from mid July onward. This phenomenon is used by local subsistence hunters, so be aware of shooters in this area at this time of year.
The parking area at the end of Stevenson Rd allows a great vantage of the Elson Lagoon (east) side of the Point. This area is particularly good in the evening/night time period when the light is low to the horizon in the western sky (at your back) illuminating the area before you.

While outside of the scope of my time in Barrow, this is also the most reliable place in North America to see migrating Ross's Gulls (Rhodostethia rosea) in the fall (mid October through November). I have not had the pleasure of experiencing Barrow at this time of year, but scanning from the aforementioned locations along the Point should give one a good chance of seeing these attractive pink larids. The number of Ross's moving past the Point seem to fluctuate from year to year, but counts of several dozen to several hundred in a day are possible.
Point Barrow eBird Hotspot

Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) footprint

Point Barrow, North Slope, AK

Naval Arctic Research Laboratory

Naval Arctic Research Lab., North Slope, AK

The mostly defunct Naval Arctic Research Lab sits just north of town. Many of the old Quonset huts have been converted as businesses, storage, or even homes and the UIC offices are located nearby (with a new lab building), and a college (which serves as living quarters for many visiting scientists in the summer). despite this activity, much of NARL appears the ideal setting for a post-apocalyptic horror film. The best area for unusual birds are the dozen or so animal cages stacked due north of the college and east of the largely abandoned building complex (the eBird hotspot pin is placed right at the cages). I can't say why this area attracts unusual birds (particularly passerines) but I imagine it has to due with the added structure the cages provide (the lack of trees this far north makes any windbreak a good one). I would suggest walking around the cages, vagrants may be feeding on insects in the lee of the wind, or actually hiding inside the cages or under the cages. If its warm out later in July this area smells pretty pungent (decaying marine mammal is a unique aroma). Nevertheless, birds like this area.
One can also set up a spotting scope and scan the Chukchi Sea from the nearby gravel beach across from NARL. There is often a large gravel berm that can give a little bit of elevation and allow an observer to see a little farther.
Naval Arctic Research Lab eBird Hotspot

NARL animal cages (viewed from above)

Utqiagvik- NARL, North Slope, AK

South Salt Lagoon

South Salt Lagoon area, North Slope, AK

One of the "hottest" spots in the Barrow area for vagrants (mostly shorebirds, but also the occasional passerine), this area can be surveyed from two main areas. From Laura Madison Rd (south of the Water Treatment Plant) one can scan the mudflats. Just a heads up, this is a sewage pond, so knee boots are advised if one chooses to walk the shoreline. The area north of the Water Treatment Plant can be checked easily from the intersection of Stevenson Rd and Cake Eater Rd. Most birders seem to cover the Stevenson X Cake Eater portion of the lake (the birds tend to be closer to the road). This is a good place to look for King Eider (Somateria spectabilis), there is often a male that hangs out here in mid to late June.

Stevenson Rd and Cake Eater Rd access:

South Salt Lagoon eBird Hotspot

Laura Madison Road access:
South Salt Lagoon- South Beach eBird Hotspot

A bright Little Stint (Calidris minuta) found on the south shore of South Salt Lagoon (accessed from Laura Madison Rd)

South Salt Lagoon, North Slope, AK

Jun 15, 2018  

Cake Eater Road

Cake Eater Road, North Slope, AK

For the sake of this page I am considering both "Gas Well Road" and "Cake Eater Road" as the same general location. Technically Cake Eater Road extends from Stevenson to the gas plant. From this gas plant to the end of the road (where there are more gas plant associated buildings) is Gas Well Road. The myriad of ponds and lakes on either side of the road are a good place to search for King, Steller's, and Spectacled Eiders. The area on Gas Well Rd just past the intersection with the new Landfill Road (especially the south side) is particularly reliable for Spectacled and Steller's. The portion of road closer to town (near the end of a snow fence that parallels Cake Eater Rd) is a good place to look for Snowy Owls. All large white patches seen atop tundra hummocks should be investigated. These owls can look remarkably similar to a patch of snow.
This is the longest stretch of road in Barrow, and birders often spend a morning (or afternoon) driving and birding the length of this road. It may be worth checking the area surrounding both gas plants (especially the one at the end of the road, which sees much less human activity). This area is usually combed pretty well by birders, and as a result, this road boasts some interesting vagrants. Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea), Ruff (Calidris pugnax), Townsend's Solitaire (Myadestes townsendi), Red-throated Pipit (Anthus cervinus), and Golden-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla).
Cake Eater Road eBird Hotspot

Tundra Bean-Goose (Anser serrirostris) present along Cake Eater Road for about two days in early June of 2018

Not to be out-done, a meal Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos) displays in front of the rare goose

Cake Eater Road, North Slope, AK

Jun. 8, 2018

New Landfill Road

New Landfill Road, North Slope, AK

The new landfill is a great place to study the large flock of several hundred predominantly Glaucous Gulls (Larus hyperboreus) for other species such as Vega Herring (L. argentatus vegae), Iceland (Thayer's type) (L. glaucoides thayeri), and perhaps most interesting to the visiting birder, Slaty-backed Gull (L. schistisagus). While not expected, at least one Slaty-backed tended to turn up at the landfill at least once a year while I was in Barrow. Most at this site were in adult aspect, making detection quite easy. Access to the landfill itself is restricted, but with a good scope the birds perched atop it can be sifted through from the road. Another trick is to drive just past the landfill facilities itself and check the tundra just south of the landfill fence. Large numbers of gulls often roost here, making it easier to sift through them.
There is often a pair of Steller's Eiders (Polysticta stelleri) that breed in the vicinity of this road, the male of which often sits and baths in the pools immediately adjacent to the road, and probably the single most photographed Steller's Eider on the North Slope (and perhaps the world). King (Somateria spectabilis) and Spectacled (S. fischeri) are also often visible from this road. In 2016 there was even a male hybrid King X Spectacled that hung around for a few days here. All of these are often visible quite near to the road. It is worth mentioning that both the USFWS shorebird and eider projects have study sites situated on the tundra adjacent to this road, so walking off the road here is discouraged. Most of the time these target species are close enough to the roadway that traipsing around on the tundra isn't required anyway.
This road (near the landfill itself) has also produced a few interesting passerines including Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia), Eastern Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla tschutschensis) and Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis).
New Landfill Road eBird Hotspot

Barrow Cemetery

Barrow Cemetery, North Slope, AK

Probably the best place for finding vagrant passerines, the Barrow Cemetery also provides ample opportunities to view several shorebird species at very close range. I have never had any problems birding here. One time I ran into a local who informed me a nearby building was haunted. That was one of the few times I've ever been approached by anyone at this site. Its always a good idea to practice common sense and respect while birding a cemetery. This area is often quite wet, so knee boots are highly recommended. I always try to avoid stepping on the burial mounds. Its probably best to avoid birding here if there is a funeral/memorial service going on.
My strategy here is mostly to work my way around in a large loop, watching for anything flushing from the base of the wooden crosses (and piles of artificial flowers). This is a great place to acquaint yourself with the differences between Hoary (Acanthis hornemanni) and Common (A. flammea) Redpolls. This is one of the most reliable locations for Hoary in Barrow. Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus) and Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis), the most abundant passerines in the Barrow area, are easily photographed here.
I have seen the most unusual passerines along the southern edge of the cemetery. Here the cemetery abuts some yards, several of which have piles of disused snow machines, ATVs, Cars, etc... This machinery provides some structure to hunker down behind which is why I think it is such an attractive area for passerines. This is all visible from the cemetery, so obviously do not enter any yards.
Barrow Cemetery eBird Hotspot

Ogrook Street Overlook (West end)

Airport Area, North Slope, AK

Ogrook Street and the Airport Overlooks provide some of the most convenient sea watching opportunities in Barrow. Early in the season (mid-May through mid-June) one can often see Spectacled, King, and Common Eiders flying by in mixed flocks. This is the best time of year to see Common Eiders, which do not breed near Barrow, but rather use the gravel barrier islands to the north and east. However, with a little effort, it isn't too difficult to accomplish an "Eider Slam" in which all four world Eider species are observed in a day.
The Airport overlook is essentially a large parking area, so if conditions are difficult (windy, rainy, etc...) one can easily scan from a vehicle. The Ogrook Street overlook requires one to park along the road and walk out on a short boardwalk to the edge of the sea bluffs.
Of cultural significance, the Ogrook overlook is actually an area with several "sod houses" which are hundreds of years old and were made with cetacean rib bones as a framework and covered with tundra (an informational sign at the site explains things in more detail).
Ogrook St/Airport Overlook eBird Hotspot

Nunavak Road

Nunavak Road, North Slope, AK

The tundra surrounding Nunavak Road is much more "hummocky" than that surrounding most of Cakeater Road. There are also more low-growing willows in this area. While Ptarmigans are only sporadically encountered in the Barrow area, Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) can sometimes be found in this area (or heard). Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta) are even rarer, but have been encountered along this road as well. This area is also occasionally used by displaying Buff-breasted Sandpipers (Calidris subruficollis). Keep an eye out for Eiders in the various tundra pools. This area can also be productive for Snowy Owls and Short-eared Owls (Asio flammeus), depending on how abundant the lemmings are in a given year. This road can become impassable during the spring melt, but with a pair of hip waders or knee boots one can often park and walk along the road. Birding should be confined to the road unless a permit is purchased.
The nearby gravel pit may also be worth visiting. There are several large metal tanks situated at the top of a hill. This area can make for a nice sea watching location, especially in windy conditions (the tanks can serve as a windbreak). The patch of adjacent hummocky tundra may also be worth checking for shorebirds and passerines. Within the gravel pit itself there are several large ponds which are worth checking for shorebirds, ducks, and loons. This area is good for those shorebird species that prefer gravel substrate. Finally, on the southern side of the gravel pit are a cluster of old tractor trailers and disused machinery adjacent to a hummocky bluff. This is the area where a [Siberian] Common Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita tristis) hung around for about a week in mid July of 2018, and the structure provided by this equipment may be worth checking in the future for vagrant passerines.
Note that this is an active gravel pit, so please stay out of the way of heavy machinery and if you are asked to leave do not argue with those working the pit. It may be a better idea to visit this area in off hours. Also, locals (and even the Barrow police force) use the far southern end of the pit for target shooting, so there may be gunfire while you're visiting this area. The metal tanks and ponds on the north side of the pit were usually not frequented by heavy machines and stray bullets were less of a concern. People do often ride/race ATVs in this area though.

Female Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta)

Nunavak Road, North Slope, AK

Jun. 18, 2018

Nunavak Road eBird Hotspot

Freshwater Lake Road

Freshwater Lake Road, North Slope, AK

This area is the best for finding Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea) and Sabine's Gull (Xema sabini) which often breed nearby. Drive to the end of the road where there is a dumpster and the edge of Freshwater Lake. Both targets are often seen close to the road here. Keep an eye out while driving down Freshwater Lake Road for shorebirds along with King, Spectacled, and Steller's Eiders. Snowy Owls are also often encountered along this road.
A trio of Ross's Gulls (Rhodostethia rosea) made an appearance at the end of this road for several weeks in June of 2018.
While not reliable, the area around the radio dishes on the northern end of the road is one of the few places where Eastern Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla tschutschensis) has been reported in multiple years (usually early/mid June).

Male Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) in a June snow flurry

Freshwater Lake Road, North Slope, AK

Jun. 14, 2018

Freshwater Lake Road eBird Hotspot

Popular Target Species
Here I list the some of the most popular (and reliable) target species and the places they are most easily detected. This way visiting birders might be able to more easily figure out where the best place to search for a target species might be (and refer back to the hotspot info above).

Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)- The only Eider species that does not breed on the tundra surrounding Barrow (instead preferring gravel barrier islands) This is usually the "trickiest" Eider to pin down in Barrow. Usually detectable as flocks (anywhere from 20 to hundreds of individuals) moving off the coast. One should be able to find some with any reasonable (1+ hrs) sea watching effort. Occasionally seen on the tundra. One may also encounter this species perched on the edge of open water in the sea ice (as opposed to flying in a flock).

King Eider (Somateria spectabilis)- Probably the most common nesting eider on the tundra surrounding Barrow (depending on the year) it isn't uncommon to see large numbers of King Eiders also flying in flocks off the coast of Barrow (especially in mid to late July when they tend to out-number Common Eiders). On the tundra, any pool should be checked for this species. South Salt Lagoon, many of the larger tundra pools along Cake Eater Road (especially near the intersection of the New Landfill Road), and the tundra pools near the end of Freshwater Lake Road. Large groups may be observed earlier in the season, before many areas have opened up, but shortly after the snow has mostly melted pairs will form and break off from one another. There is a relatively short window in which the male and female of a pair will be seen together, and by early to mid July (depending on when the snow melts) males will start to molt and leave the female of their pair.

Spectacled Eider (Somateria fischeri)- This threatened sea duck can often be seen mixed in flocks of King and/or Common Eiders flying off the coast of Barrow early in the season and again later in July. This species can often be found along Cake Eater Road, especially near the intersection of the New Landfill Road and in the tundra ponds off of the New Landfill Road. The may also be found on the various tundra pools off of Freshwater Lake Road. The habits of this species are similar to that of the King Eider detailed above (with respect to timing of molt).

Steller's Eider (Polysticta stelleri)- Usually the least abundant of the eiders in Barrow (though at times in the beginning of the season they may be found in flocks of 20-100). This species is the least likely to be encountered off the coast of Barrow, occasionally one or two may be found within flocks moving off the coast. This species is often encountered along Cake Eater road and a pair has usually occupied a territory adjacent to the New Landfill Road (just before the Landfill itself). The male (and occasionally the female) are often in the tundra pools directly off the road. This is probably the most reliable site for seeing the species at close range. While Steller's have low site fidelity, and these are likely not the same individuals across years, the territory was nevertheless occupied every summer I worked in Barrow.The species may also be encountered off of Freshwater Lake or Nunavak Roads.

Red-necked Stint (Calidris ruficollis)- While not confirmed as breeding for at least a decade (probably more), Red-necked Stint is a regular (annual) visitor to the Barrow area, usually multiple individuals a summer. South Salt Lagoon (both sides of access). The species has also been found along the New Landfill Road. This species is most often found in mid-June (though this is also when the area experiences the greatest birder coverage).

Shorebird Species- Barrow boasts some of the highest diversity of breeding shorebird than anywhere else in the North American high arctic. Covering the various roads outlined above in the hotspots portion of this page should produce all of the regular breeders. I've included an annotated list below and the generic nesting habitat preferences for each. Note checking the edges of ponds/lagoons can produce essentially any of these species (breeders), regardless of nesting site preference.


Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnea)- Unexpected in Barrow outside of the fall to early spring (and seemingly unreliable even then). The best place to see this species is probably on Point Barrow, scavenging discarded viscera from a marine mammal kill. Most reports from the summer months are of birds flying off the coast, or associating with the old landfill gull flock (near the intersection of Stevenson St and Cake Eater Rd). As this species' genus name suggests, they are certainly pack ice specialists and I am skeptical of any reports away from the coast (and sea ice) without a photo or substantiating description. Immature Glaucous Gulls (Larus hyperboreus) flying distantly can look remarkably white, especially on a sunny day (the heat distortion in the arctic is the most intense I've ever experienced). I would not come to Barrow in the summer with the expectation of seeing this species.

Sabine's Gull (Xema sabini)- Often encountered on the coast. A local breeder at Freshwater Lake. Photogenic individuals can often be encountered by driving to the end of Freshwater Lake Road and waiting. One or more can often be found close to the road, along with an Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea) or two.

Ross's Gull (Rhodostethia rosea)- Unexpected in the Barrow area outside of the spectacular fall migration this species often makes past Point Barrow. A few summer records of this species flying over the tundra, and in 2018 three individuals hung around the end of Freshwater Lake Road for two weeks in mid June. If you are coming to Barrow in the summer I would not expect to see this species. From late September through November the species is reliable on the coast. Mid October seems to be when the species becomes most reliable. The number of Ross's detected varies from year to year. Several hundred in a day is possible in a great year. A dozen or so a day seems typical of poorer years.

Slaty-backed Gull (Larus schistisagus)- A few Slaty-backs of various ages are expected over the course of the summer. The New Landfill is a good place to find one by sifting through the several hundred white-headed gulls (mostly Glaucous) that feed there. This species has also been found at South Salt Lagoon and loafing with other white-headed gulls on the coast.

Yellow-billed Loon (Gavia adamsii)- This species is only seldom found on the tundra, and is usually seen flying by on the coast (sometimes in groups of up to about 5 individuals). This movement of Yellow-bills is most prevalent in early to mid June, but with time, one can usually detect a Yellow-billed while sea watching throughout the summer. Occasionally seen on Elson Lagoon (from the north end of Stevenson St), especially later in July. The southern portion of South Salt Lagoon (visible from Laura Madison) might be worth checking for this and Red-throated/Pacific Loons (the latter two species are commonly seen on the larger tundra pools off of the various roads).

Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus)- Barrow is probably the most reliable place in the world for breeding Snowy Owls (certainly in AK). This species can often be found off of Cake Eater Road and Nunavak Road. Please exercise caution if attempting to photograph these charismatic owls. Not only is their nest success tied to the relative abundance of lemmings in a given year (some years there may not be enough lemmings for any owlets to survive to fledge), but the nests are sensitive to all the same dangers other birds face. Exposure to the weather, mammalian (Arctic Fox) predation, and avian predation are all challenges facing a nesting snowy, and the impact from humans approaching the nest cannot be overstated. Flushing the adult exposes the eggs to the elements and increases the likelihood of detection by predators. At least one oft-flushed Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) nest off of Nunavak Road failed in 2018, probably due to birders and photographers. A lot of people visit Barrow, so its worth remembering that conducting oneself in a manner considerate of the birds you're looking for helps to reduce the pressure they face to survive. Snowy Owls are often seen quite close to the roadway (and not on nests), so its still possible to get those killer snowy shots without approaching a nest. There is also long-term research on Snowy Owls being conducted in Barrow, and approaching a nest can jeopardize this research.

Hoary Redpoll (Acanthis hornemanni)- The number of Redpolls in Barrow seems to fluctuate from year to year. While its only a matter of time before the A.O.U. lumps the Common and Hoary Redpolls, for those wishing to see this subspecies, the Cemetery is probably the best place to see them. Both species have bred here (the number of which fluctuates but redpolls are present here even in low years) and it provides a good opportunity to compare the two. NARL is also a good place to watch redpolls. Note that many of the redpolls in Barrow seem to have plumage stained a dull gray (probably from using muddy puddles to bathe). This means some Hoary Redpolls do not have gleaming white underparts, but are dull gray below. They can be identified as Hoaries based on their unstreaked underparts (still discernable, even when stained), along with other structural features. Some Common Redpolls will also show this staining.

Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus)- Even the most hard-core bird lister will probably hope to see a charismatic "Snow Bear" while in Barrow. Polar Bears have been found in and around Barrow at all months of the year. Usually out on the sea ice, they do occasionally wander onto the tundra. In early to mid June most are seen feeding on discarded seal/whale meat on the sea ice. The coast adjacent to the Stevenson St/Cake Eater Rd intersection and northward to the Point seems to be the place where they are found the most. I have seen them moving on the sea ice from the Airport overlook while sea watching (look for blonde splotches of moving ice, not as easy as it seems). Most of the hotels keep tabs on recent Polar Bear sightings, so its worth inquiring if there are any recent sightings when checking in. I believe the Top of the World Hotel does tours to Point Barrow in a 4WD van to look for Polar Bears. "Duck Camp" and the north end of Stevenson (on Point Barrow) are also good places to scan the sea ice for Polar Bears. Safety is always an important consideration when in Polar Bear country, especially when on Point Barrow. Its a good idea to stay as a group, constantly keep an eye on your surroundings, and try not to venture too far from a vehicle. Polar Bears can move incredibly fast (especially over sea ice) and are carnivores. Common Sense goes a long way (don't try to get a selfie with a Polar Bear, feed it and stay a respectable distance- chances are you'll be fine). Given the decline in Arctic sea ice and changing dynamics of the freeze-thaw cycle in this part of the world, seeing one of these impressive creatures should be on any nature-enthusiasts bucket list.

A painting of a Pomarine Jaeger (Stercorarius pomarinus) 

Naval Arctic Research Lab., North Slope, AK