Alaska - Utqiaġvik: Ross’s Gull Quest 2023 - 07 Oct 2023 - 12 Oct 2023 (6 days)
USD4,400
Spaces Available
Tour price (Per person): USD4,400 * GBP3,599 * EUR4,084 * AUD6,588
Single Supplement: USD700 * GBP573 * EUR650 * AUD1,048
Overview Tour Facts Top Birds
This arctic adventure will focus on the shoreline of the Chukchi Sea to witness an unparalleled birding experience. The city of Utqiaġvik (formerly Barrow) lies nearly 500 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle and provides relatively easy and comfortable access to one of North America’s most amazing birding spectacles, the fall migration of Ross’s Gulls. These pink-hued arctic enigmas are reliably found during their annual fall migration at this northernmost tip of the United States where the majority of the population moves past. While small numbers linger in the Barrow area during the beginning of October, the right weather conditions can bring hundreds within close proximity of the shore, resulting in an unforgettable sight. During October it is also possible to encounter migrating eiders, loons, and with great luck, Ivory Gull. Before our visit to Utqiaġvik, we will have the opportunity to bird the Anchorage area where we can add many boreal specialties.
This tour is operated by High Lonesome BirdTours in partnership with Rockjumper Birding Tours.
These are large group tours (up to 16 guests with multiple leaders), and will have guests from both Highlonesome and Rockjumper.
For any queries not related to a tour booking, please fee free to contact High Lonesome BirdTours directly Stephan Lorenz (Tour Director)
Utqiaġvik: Spectacled, King and Common Eiders; Yellow-billed Loon; Snowy Owl; Ross's and Ivory (very rare) Gulls, Anchorage Area: White-winged Crossbills; Pine Grosbeak; Common Redpoll; Bohemian Waxwing; Black-backed and American Three-toed Woodpeckers; Spruce Grouse.
Top Mammals Polar Bear (rare), Arctic Fox, Moose.
Habitats Covered Utqiaġvik: arctic tundra, coast and wetlands; Anchorage: boreal forest and marshes
Expected Climate cold to freezing temperatures (-10 to 5 degrees celsius), but little precipitation
Max Group Size 14 with 2 Tour Leaders
Tour Pace & Walking easy, late mornings (the sun doesn’t rise until 9:00 am) and early evenings, minimal walking with mainly seawatching from vehicles or standing outside, some longer periods of standing, the terrain around Anchorage is also very easy.
Accommodation basic but comfortable with private baths
Ease of Birding easy
Number of Species Expected +50
Other Attractions unique Iñupiaq culture of Utqiaġvik and wonderful arctic landscapes
Photographic Opportunities good
Tour Route Map Client Testimonials
Dates, Leaders and Pricing
2023 DEPARTURES
2024 DEPARTURES
Alaska - Utqiaġvik: Ross’s Gull Quest 2024 - 08 Oct 2024 - 13 Oct 2024 (6 days)
USD4,400
Spaces Available
Tour price (Per person): USD4,400 * GBP3,599 * EUR4,084 * AUD6,588
Single Supplement: USD700 * GBP573 * EUR650 * AUD1,048
Trip Reports
Tour Enquiry
Gambell was great, an adventure I’ll not soon forget.
Stephan Lorenz was great. He knew every bird and plant and was helpful to me in getting the photos that I wanted.
Stephan was an outstanding guide, as usual, and Claudia was a great spotter and helper. The lodging in Barrow was better than expected, as was the food there.
The weather adversely affected the Gambell visit such that hoped for vagrants were minimal during our stay. The Siberian Express mostly failed to stop there. That was beyond anyone’s control and, thanks to the efforts of the guides, the birding experience was still very good. Stephan Lorenz did an exceptional job. Between Covid and the weather his job seemed unusually difficult but he handled things extremely well. I would definitely go on another tour with Mr. Lorenz as guide.
Stephan as lead guide was one of the best guides I have ever had the privilege of working with. Wonderful at finding birds, making sure participants saw them, managing the challenging logistics, and a truly excellent group leader. Dave was an excellent partner guide. I will definitely seek them out to travel with again. Thanks to both of them.