Vital Research at the Alaska Bird Observatory

Alaska contains vast areas of unspoiled bird habitat, consisting of rich estuarine and marine ecosystems, interior boreal forests, coastal rainforests, alpine and lowland tundra, as well as coastal and interior wetlands. These diverse environments are home to more than 220 species of birds, many of which migrate to Alaska from the islands of the South Pacific, Asia, Australia, Central and South America, Canada and the United States, and many other birds which breed exclusively in northern regions. By means of research and education the Alaska Bird Observatory in Fairbanks, Alaska, endeavors to promote the understanding, appreciation and conservation of Alaska’s birds and their habitats.

Research into Alloanointing in Crested Auklets

Crested auklets nest in large colonies on isolated island cliffs in Siberia and Alaska. These small black and grey seabirds have bright orange bills, with white facial feathers and a prominent feathered crest rising from their foreheads. Recent research carried out on crested auklets nesting on the St. Lawrence Island in the northern Bering Sea off the coast of Siberia, has revealed an interesting courting ritual which, until now, has not been observed in birds.

Perfect Winter Camouflage

The Ptarmigan is a type of grouse living in the far north, in Alaska, northern Canada, Greenland, Scandinavia and Siberia. In summer, its feathers are brown and mottled like the tundra it lives in. Like many other bird species, it uses brownish camouflage to hide from predators.

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