I haven't been up there this early in the year but he should be able to do
some great birding just from the hotel. The channels running through town
have lots of ocean birds. I've seen Tuffted Puffin and lots of ducks and
other alcids. Both Hoary and Common Redpolls can be seen eating exotic
foods like french fries from your hotel room. I saw Common Redpolls there
there in the summer but Hoary are supposed to be there in the spring too.
There may still be snow up in the higher hills but you should be able to
hike up a few close to town. They all have trails and the vegetation is very
friendly not like some of the coastal islands I've hiked in B.C. It was a
huge military base during WWII so the hills all have bunkers at the top that
make great seats. There were Lapland Longspurs all over the hills in July
but they are supposed to be there now as well. Tell him to stay out of the
Elbow Room bar unless he feels brave though I think its calmed down abit
(not as many knife fights as there used to be). The Grand Aleutian Hotel is
very nice and has great food. I think it offers cruises around the islands
if he's interested.
Tracee Geernaert
tracee at iphc.washington.edu
----------
From: TWEETERS-owner
To: tweeters
Subject: Dutch Harbor Birding?
Date: Friday, April 05, 1996 6:56AM

I have a birding buddy with business in Dutch Harbor Alaska in two
weeks. Any suggestions for him? Thanks in advance for any replies.
wjansen