The Top of the World

We arrived in Utqiagvik a few days ago to volunteer on a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Stellar and Spectacled Eider project. While we're here, we'll help conduct pair surveys to determine potential breeding locations and attempts for Steller's and Spectacled Eiders, and locate nests of a suite of species of interest to the project.

Utqiagvik (formerly known as Barrow) is the northern most city in North America, just 1,300 miles from the North Pole, and is straddled by the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas which together contribute to the Arctic Ocean. Approximately 4,000 people live here year round. There is one gas station, three grocery stores, one footfall field (yes, it's artificial turf), and the few miles of road are unpaved. All-in-all, a beautiful and tight-knit community.

The winter's sea ice is still onshore and chances to see walrus, seals, whales, and polar bears are real possibilities. It's only been a couple days, but Red Phalarope, Steller's Eider, and Spectacled Eider sightings are almost routine. I found my first Red Phalarope nest today and logged my first nest of trip, a Greater White-fronted Goose nest.

#Utqiagvik #birds #adventure #Alaska #science