
Festival Partner- Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival
From Cordova’s wetlands to Homer’s coastline, this is your chance to experience some of alaska’s best birding.
Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival May 1-4, 2025
Celebrate the arrival of migratory shorebirds at the 35th Annual Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival in Cordova, Alaska- where every spring, shorebirds and migration take center stage against the backdrop of Alaska’s largest intact wetland. This milestone event honors the incredible journey of shorebirds as they arrive by the millions.
This year’s festival features keynote speaker Rob Clay from the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN) and international speaker Vianey Ramirez, offering invaluable insights into shorebird conservation.
Enjoy expert-led birding excursions to sites deemed of “hemispheric importance,” engage in art workshops and nature journaling, explore cultural activities, and take advantage of exclusive discounts on local events.
Whether you're a seasoned birder or a nature enthusiast, there's something for everyone at this celebration of wildlife and conservation.
KACHEMAK BAY Shorebird Festival May 7-11, 2025
Keep the birding excitement alive after the Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival by heading to Homer, Alaska, for the Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival. Every year, thousands of shorebirds flock to the shores of Kachemak Bay, one of the Pacific Flyway’s most vital migratory bird stopovers, offering an unforgettable opportunity to witness nature in motion.
This year’s festival features an exciting lineup of expert-led birding trips, activities, and classes tailored for birders of all skill levels.
Be inspired by keynote speaker Ben Mirin, a National Geographic Explorer known for his unique conservation storytelling through sound. Plus, enjoy breathtaking artwork from signature artist Danielle Larsen- whose work reflects a deep connection to her heritage and Alaska’s landscapes.
From guided birding tours to hands-on creative sessions, friendly competitions, and community gatherings, the Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival offers something for everyone to enjoy!
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Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival runs from Thursday, May 1 – Sunday, May 4.
Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival runs from Wednesday, May 7 – Sunday, May 11.
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There are two primary ways to travel between Cordova and Homer. The first is to fly to Anchorage and then drive down to Homer, enjoying the scenic route along the Kenai River. The second option is to take a ferry across Prince William Sound from Cordova to Whittier, followed by a drive from Whittier to Homer. While the ferry ride is a beautiful experience with great birdwatching opportunities, Whittier does not have car rental services. This means you’ll need to arrange a ride with a friend or find an alternative mode of transportation down the Peninsula. Since Cordova is not connected to Alaska’s road system, there is no way to drive directly between the two festivals.
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There are plenty of pull-off spots along the Kenai River where drivers can stop and spot birds right from the road. For a closer look, boat tours in Cooper Landing and Soldotna offer awesome birding experiences right on the water. Plus, if you're taking the Alaska Marine Highway ferry, keep an eye out—there are plenty of seabirds and other wildlife to see along the way!