Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival

The Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival is one of Alaska's premier events for bird watchers.  Be part of the epic migration so many birds make each year to spend their summers in Alaska.  As we embark on a weekend adventure at the Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival, you will be sure to enjoy the many activities, workshops, and community events that are available in this authentic Alaskan fishing community!

Book your seat now to travel with Kenai Fjords Tours and Prince William Sound Glacier Cruises on an amazing trip to Cordova, Alaska!  We offer boat transportation from Whittier to Cordova using one of our 95' custom sightseeing vessels.  The cabins are spacious and fully heated so you will travel in comfort.  Large picture windows and wrap around decks will allow you an up close look at the variety of wildlife we encounter along the journey across the Sound. 
Call 1-800-478-8068 for Shorebird Festival Cruise Transportation

Shorebird Festival Transportation Schedule

Whittier to Cordova - Friday, May 9th

• Departure from Whittier at 10 AM
  In order to get to Whittier by 10 A.M., we recommend you take the Anton Anderson Memorial tunnel opening at 9:30 A.M. Tunnel Schedule
• Arrive in Cordova at approximately 4 PM

Cordova to Whittier - Sunday, May 11th

• Departure from Cordova at 12 Noon
• Arrive in Whittier at approximately 6 PM
  *We anticipate returning in time for the 6 P.M. opening of the Anton Anderson Memorial tunnel opening at 9:30 A.M. Tunnel Schedule

  

Roundtrip Rate to Cordova
Adults (12+) $149 + 3% sales tax
Children (2-11) $100 + 3% sales tax

It takes approximately 6 hours to travel between Cordova and Whittier.  A meal will be provided on board.  Please note that tunnel fare and weekend activities are not included in fare quoted. Guests will also need to find their own lodging in Cordova during the festival.

About the Birding
In early May, the tidal flats of the Copper River Delta are active with hundreds of thousands of shorebirds. Millions of shorebirds rest and feed here during the spring migration. The Delta is the largest continuous wetland on the Pacific coast of North America where you will see over 30 species of migratory shorebirds such as Western Sandpipers, Sanderlings, Dowitchers, Plovers, Dusky Canada geese, trumpeter swans, red-necked phalarope, northern pintails, shovelers and many other waterfowl. Join us at the Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival for activities, workshops, and community events in this authentic Alaskan fishing community!

The species that migrate through the Copper River Delta use this highly endangered coastal wetland to rest and feed in preparation for their long journeys. In 1990, the Delta was inducted into the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network. This international effort identifies critical shorebird habitat throughout the Western Hemisphere and strives to provide for its protection. Each stopover site is critical in the migratory link of shorebirds. Many shorebird populations are in serious decline and this network was established to promote and support the conservation of these truly hemispheric shorebirds.

About the Festival
The Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival provides the ideal opportunity for bird watchers to be part of this epic migration. Many activities, workshops and community events are offered throughout the festival. Join us at the Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival for activities, workshops, and community events in this authentic Alaskan fishing community!

Shorebird Festival Events

• Daily Shorebird Watch field trips
• Guest speakers
• Photography workshops
• Birding workshops
• Birder's Bash dinner & silent auction
• Parade
• Birder's challenge

Recommended Gear

• Rain Gear
• Waterproof boots
• Binoculars & cameras & scopes
• Birding field guides
• Warm clothing (wool & synthetics)

For more information, please contact the Cordova Chamber of Commerce or call (907) 424-7260.

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