A Friends volunteer and a Kotzebue youngster scan the tundra for migrating birds, May 2008. Photo by Susan Georgette.

Kotzebue youngsters try out their new binoculars, May 2008. Photo by Lee Anne Ayres.

Groups of people peering through binoculars and bending over scopes were a frequent sight in late May along Kotzebue’s roads, thanks to two volunteers with Friends of Alaska Refuges who generously offered 10 days of their time to initiate a new, expanded spring birdwatching program in northwest Alaska.  Six bird walks were offered at different times of day over a week-long period, exploring a variety of habitats near Kotzebue.  All the bird walks were well-attended and rewarding.  During one, a flock of migrating snow geese set down right in front of the group. 

In addition to the community bird walks, the Friends volunteers led several bird walks with young children from Kotzebue’s day care center and traveled to the Iñupiaq village of Selawik to lead bird walks with local youngsters.  The volunteers also participated in interviews with the local radio station to discuss bird migrations and to promote the birding activities.  This successful project was not only a great example of a cooperative effort with both the National Park Service and Friends of Alaska Refuges, but also furthered the Service’s priority of “Connecting Kids with Nature.”  We’re looking forward to continuing this project next year!