Alaska itself may be considered a birder’s paradise, as we have 525 recorded avian species! There’s one fabulous spot, however, where you can find some incredibly rare species you usually only see in Asia. And you won’t believe where that spot is!

Adak Island is located in the Aleutian chain in Alaska.
Paxson Woelber / Flickr
The city of Adak is actually the most western town in America! This was a former World War II military base used to fight the Japanese.
This military base was converted to a naval base after the war.
Paxson Woelber / Flickr
In 1997 the US decommissioned the base. The Aleut Corporation purchased the remaining buildings, a small amount that house the remaining population there today.
The island of Adak is a stunning blend of wetlands, tundra, beaches, and mudflats.
D. Sikes / Flickr
This makes it one of the best options for viewing birds! Many of the most interesting and rare birds you'll see are ones blown in from Asia.

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The winds that blow into Adak are strong, and during spring migration, will blow many rare Asian species onto the island.
spwhite1 / Flickr
You will find such species as the Whooping Swan, the Tufted Duck, and the Garganey, if you're lucky! Many birders take birdseed to scatter to attract passing water birds. If you do, don't bring the mix with safflower seeds, as these birds don't eat them.
If you're lucky, you'll may come across an Oriental Greenfinch!
Jin Kemoole Flickr
Even if the Asian rarities are hard to find, you'll definitely come across one of the regular birds, like the Arctic Loon, or Rock Ptarmigan. No matter what you see, you will have a great time looking for stunning birds on an equally impressive island.
Adak is a gorgeous place that, even if you're not a birder, is totally worth the visit.
D. Sikes / Flickr
The best way to get there is a direct flight out of Anchorage. Spring and summer are prime timed for not just bird viewing, but plenty of flights are available, too! There are even some Alaskan companies that offer birding tours.

Have you ever visited Adak? What did you think? Do you have a favorite birder’s paradise? Let us know in the comments below!

If you want to learn a little more about the history of Adak, check out Not Many Know The Story Of The World War II Battle That Took Place On Alaskan Soil.

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