Red-legged Kittiwake

Saint Paul Island is the only publicly accessible breeding colony of this hyper range-restricted seabird. Their large eyes help them forage over the far north Pacific during the dark winter months.

Alaska is every birder’s dream destination, with its stunning coastline, breathtaking mountain ranges, charismatic megafauna, and an impressive diversity of birds. Our 15 day trip will cover four distinct areas that each have their own charms and exciting species: the remote Bering Sea Island of Saint Paul - a truly once-in-a-lifetime destination, the coastline and tundra surrounding Nome, Anchorage and its surroundings, and Utqiaġvik - the northernmost town in the United States.

The species of birds we may encounter boggles the mind - breeding Bristle-thighed Curlew and Bar-tailed Godwit, Steller’s and Spectacled Eiders, ptarmigans and Gyrfalcons, nesting Long-tailed Jaeger, Arctic Warbler, Bluethroat, Eastern Yellow Wagtail, Yellow-billed, Pacific, and maybe even Arctic Loon, Red-legged Kittiwakes, and alcids galore, including Tufted Puffin, Thick-billed Murre, Parakeet, Least, and Crested Auklets. The timing of our stay on the famous Saint Paul Island also provides us with the possibility of seeing asian strays from Hawfinch and Brambling to Siberian Sand-Plover and Red-necked Stint. The list of potential mammals is no less impressive, with Polar Bear, Musk Oxen, Arctic Fox, and Caribou for starters.

Dates: May 29th – June 12th, 2026 (14 nights/15 days)

Cost: $13,250 standard price. $1,980 per-person discount for doubles. $1,000 deposit due upon registration.

What’s included:

▪ All lodging during the trip. In the case of a flight delay on any internal flights, an extra cost may be necessary for additional hotel stays.

▪ Transportation in 12-passenger vans.

▪ Breakfasts, lunches (many in the field), and dinners.

▪ Expert and knowledgeable naturalist guides, Sam & Chip Darmstadt.

▪ Any entrance fees and park admissions, including guiding services provided by the experience guides of Saint Paul Island Tours.

What’s not included:

▪ Airfare to/from Anchorage, Alaska.

▪ In-state flights. FAB will book these, but they will be billed separately. These six in-state flights are projected to be approximately $1,500.

▪ Lodging upgrades on Saint Paul Island include -

• Double occupancy: twin room with an ensuite bathroom ($135 per person); queen room with an ensuite bathroom ($180 per person).

• Single occupancy: twin room ($450); twin room with an ensuite bathroom ($720); queen room with an ensuite bathroom ($810).

▪ Meals in airports and any alcoholic beverages.

▪ Tips/gratuities.

▪ Extras in hotels (e.g., room service, laundry, etc.).

▪ Trip Insurance (highly recommended).

Accommodations and physical requirements:

▪ All of the lodging on the mainland is in standard hotels and lodges. Lodging on Saint Paul is in a more simple hotel with shared bathrooms with a limited number of singles. Single rooms and ensuite bathrooms are available on a first-come-first-serve basis, for an additional cost.

▪ Be prepared for mosquitoes and other biting insects. Guides will carry bear spray and brief the group on Polar Bear safety when in Utqiaġvik.

▪ While no strenuous hiking is expected, we will spend plenty of time walking on trails and shorelines. Total walking for a day may total 5 or more miles. Some walking on the tundra in Nome may be necessary to find Bristle-thighed Curlew, but an alternative will be provided.

▪ The flight to Saint Paul Island is on a Saab 2000 aircraft equipped with 30 seats and a lavatory. This smaller plane can be more sensitive to turbulence than larger passenger jets.

▪ Temperatures will range from mild (mid 60s °F) to wintery (below freezing). High winds, fog, and precipitation are all possible.