Birdwatching in the Yukon: 6 Incredible Birds and Where to Find Them
Here in the Yukon, we are fortunate to have more than 300 species of birds. So birdwatching is a popular hobby! And spring is the perfect time to get out and try it for yourself. Here are six incredible birds you can see in the Yukon (and where to find them).
1. Belted Kingfisher
The belted kingfisher, with its spiky appearance, is one of the more unique-looking birds in the Yukon. So it’s great fun to spot one! You’ll know it by its rattly call, powder blue and white plumage, and the spiky feathers atop its head. Females also have a stripe of rust-colored feathers across their bellies. Look for them near rivers, as they dive for their prey. The Yukon River Trail is a great place to search for belted kingfishers.
2. Pine Grosbeak
Are there days when you’d love to do some birdwatching but don’t feel up to leaving home? Thankfully, we have plenty of birds you can commonly see inhabiting your neighborhood, including the lovely pine grosbeak. These gorgeous finches are happy to visit your birdfeeder, giving you a chance to see them up close. Females are grey and yellow, while males are grey and pink.
3. Mew Gull
Mew gulls can be distinguished from other species by their black and white wing tips and completely yellow bill and legs. They form pairs and nest in colonies along lakes and rivers and in alpine areas. We are lucky to have a large colony nearby at the Quartz Road Wetland. Summer is the best time to view mew gulls.
4. Rock Ptarmigan
Rock Ptarmigans change their plumage twice a year, so it’s worth trying to spot them with both their winter and summer feathers. In the warmer months, male rock ptarmigans are greyish-brown with white bellies, while females are golden brown with black and white markings. In winter, however, both males and females are white with black outer tail feathers and a black eye line. Take a trip to Haeckel Hill or Mount McIntyre for a chance to view these alpine birds.
5. Tundra Swan
Spring is a perfect time to view tundra swans. You can distinguish them from trumpeter swans by their smaller size and the yellow spot that typically appears at the base of the bill. Plan a visit to Lewes Marsh to see tundra swans during their spring migration.
6. Barrow’s Goldeney
Did you know that Yukon Territory is an important breeding site for Barrow’s Goldeneye? In fact, a significant number of the global population of these ducks breed right here in the Yukon. McIntyre Creek Wetlands is an excellent place to catch a glimpse of these beautiful birds. If you visit in spring, look for bright orange bills on females. Their bills darken to black as the year goes on. Males are easily identified by the white patch near their eyes.
Here in Whitehorse, the plentiful wilderness and diverse habitats that surround us offer ample opportunities for birdwatching. So grab a pair of binoculars, get outdoors, and see how many species you can find!
Would you love to retire surrounded by Yukon’s scenic beauty and wildlife? Come join us! Schedule a tour today to see whether Normandy Living is right for you.