From rafts of common murres and waddling tufted puffins clinging to the shore to bald eagles and peregrine falcons soaring above, Kenai Fjords is a slice of bird-watching heaven.
The Kenai Peninsula, on southcentral Alaska's coast, stretches for more than 500 miles and is considered a significant and important area for birds and bird-watching by the National Audobon Society. There are more than 190 species that pass through or live here full-time. Keep your binoculars handy, and be sure to chat with a Kenai Fjours Tours Deckhand for help spotting and identifying bird species while you're out cruising the waters.
Visitors to Fox Island Day Lodge (either as passengers with Kenai Fjords Tours or as guests at Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge) get a unique chance to learn more about the bird life here—its diversity and importance. After all, birds form an important part of the natural food chain and the ecosystem. And sometimes, they need a bit of extra care.
Naturalists from the Anchorage-based non-profit organization Bird TLC (Bird Treatment and Learning Center) make regular visits to the island. They'll bring injured birds that are in their care along to interact with visitors. Through hands-on, science-based education programs, they explain how injured birds are rehabilitated into the wilderness.
"We help birds who are indigenous to Alaska," Bird TLC's Billy Stapleton says. That means they don't work with introduced species or domesticated birds who are pets. It's an educational organization that was founded by Dr. James Scott and is driven to help bring awareness to assisting birds in need, he says.
Visitors to Fox Island are already connecting with the majesty of Alaska, both in the water and in the sky. This program is a chance to get up close and personal with Alaska birds.
"This program helps connect guests to the wildlife world around us," says Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge's Cathy Martell, who has been spending summers on Fox Island for many years. "The presenters talk about the birds, how they were injured, what they eat, how they were rehabbed, etc. I think it is important for people to be able to understand why they are important to the food chain and ecosystem."
For more information about Bird TLC and to find out how you can support this exceptional organization, visit their website at BirdTLC.org.
We are building a team of passionate people determined to make a difference in the places we love. Every effort counts. Meet more of them here and discover how Promise to Place is the real deal.
Learn More
Insider tips, inspiration and deals — delivered straight to your inbox.
"This program helps connect guests to the wildlife world around us,"
-Cathy Martell, Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge