This tour is offered in partnership with High Lonesome Birdtours.
Utqiaġvik is the northernmost settlement in the United States, located on the edge of the Polar Ice Cap, more than 300 miles above the Arctic Circle. Vast seas of ice extend from Point Utqiaġvik another 1,200 miles to the North Pole. From May to August, darkness never falls on Utqiaġvik as the golden glow of the midnight sun fills the sky. For birders, High Arctic species are the main attraction here. Snowy Owls are common, Spectacled and Steller’s Eiders are starting their very short breeding seasons in June, while Yellow-billed Loons also breed in the area. We’ll visit the numerous tundra ponds to look for breeding species as well as travel to Point Utqiaġvik in hopes of seeing some of the Arctic mammals – Polar Bears are fairly common during May and June. Many shorebirds, resplendent in their breeding plumages, are also possible here, with Buff-breasted, Baird’s and Pectoral Sandpipers all being regular breeders. Even Asian species such as Red-necked Stint and Curlew Sandpiper (both rare breeders) have been seen in Utqiaġvik during June, while there is always the chance for an unexpected surprise!
Please note: these prices are subject to foreign exchange fluctuations.
Spectacled; Steller’s; King; Common Eider; Greater White-fronted Goose; Pomarine & Parasitic Jaeger; Pacific, Red-throated, Yellow-billed Loon; Red & Red-necked Phalarope; Snowy Owl; American Golden Plover; Baird’s, Pectoral, Buff-breasted Sandpiper; Lapland Longspur; Snow Bunting. Possible Ross’s & Ivory Gull some year, also Curlew Sandpiper, Red-necked Stint.
Polar Bear, Arctic Fox, Caribou, Bearded & Spotted Seal
High Arctic tundra; Arctic ice pack
moderately cold, sometimes below freezing.
12 with 2 local birding tour leaders
generally easy with some moderate walks
comfortable hotel
easy
Arctic Ocean & ice pack; native village. Excellent photographic opportunities.During your free time in Anchorage, don’t miss going to Wave Bookstores on Northern Lights or downtown on 5th Avenue. They have a great selection of Alaska fiction and non-fiction! In addition, there are some excellent restaurants downtown, including Orso, Glacier Brew House, Simon & Seafort’s, and Marx Brothers.
excellent
As always, Stephan Lorenz was considerate, organized and adaptable, as well as being a fabulous birder and good teacher. This is a very well-organized and well thought-out tour and we were successful in seeing all target species and also having an enjoyable tour. Thank you. Looking forward to traveling with Stephan again.
Stephan Lorenz was great. He knew every bird and plant and was helpful to me in getting the photos that I wanted.
Stephan Lorenz is an exceptional guide, being both a wizard at finding and identifying birds and also dealing with people. He has a kind and funny manner that puts everyone at ease. I am glad that Rockjumper has hired him and look forward to being on some of his trips in the future.
Stephan Lorenz is an outstanding guide. His knowledge of birds - including their identification, behaviours and biology - is exceptional. He and his partner Claudia provided excellent service to the clients. They made sure all our interests and needs were attended to, and they actively engaged in making the trip both educational and fun.
Gambell was great, an adventure I’ll not soon forget.
17 Jun 2024 - 19 Jun 2024 (3 days)
USD3,100 - No Spaces Available
Tour Leader: Claudia Cavazos
Tour Leader: Stephan Lorenz
Tour price (Per person): USD3,100 * GBP2,452 * EUR2,871
Single Supplement: USD450 * GBP356 * EUR417
Alaska - The Aleutian Islands; Dutch Harbour & Whiskered Aucklet I 2023 - June 2023
Alaska - Utqiaġvik & Kenai: The Fjords & the Arctic Circle 2023 - June 2023
Alaska - Nome & Denali: Alaska Gold Rush 2023 - June 2023
Alaska - Gambell: The Siberian Express 2023 - May 2023
Alaska - The Pribilof Islands I 2023 - May 2023
Alaska - Adak: Aleutian Specialties & Asian Vagrants 2023 - May 2023
Alaska - Utqiaġvik: Ross’s Gull Quest 2021 - October 2021
Alaska - Utqiaġvik & Kenai: The Fjords & the Arctic Circle 2021 - June 2021
Alaska - Nome & Denali: Alaska Gold Rush 2021 - June 2021
Alaska - The Aleutian Islands; Dutch Harbour & Whiskered Aucklet 2021 - June 2021
Alaska - Gambell: The Siberian Express 2021 - May 2021
Alaska - Nome & the Seward Peninsula 2019 - May 2019
Alaska - Nome & the Seward Peninsula 2018 - May 2018