When hunters stalk the wetlands, the geese head for Auke Lake, returning as soon as hunters head home. The harlequin duck, chestnut-backed chickadee and American dipper make their home in Southeast Alaska. Rufous hummingbirds desert Mexico for Alaska from April to August. The males are distinguished by their iridescent orange-red throat. The most common sea ducks in Juneau are scoters, oldsquaw, Barrow's goldeneye, harlequin and buffleheads along with mallards, scaups and mergansers.
Gulls are everywhere.
Birds are not the only winged creatures in Alaska. There is also the famed mosquito, pernicious in much of the rest of the state, bothersome if you're camping in Southeast. They're not even noticeable in towns, but you'll want mosquito repellent with DEET if you're traveling inland. All contents Copyright 2001 Morris Digital Works and The Juneau Empire. Please read our Privacy Policy.