Ruddy Turnstone at midnight - click for gallery

Nome: Breeding Birds of the Arctic

This Photo Tour takes you to Nome, Alaska, one of the richest breeding areas for birds in North America for an adventure in Arctic photography. From comfortable lodging in the town of Nome on the shores of the Bering Sea, we will explore the wild tundra and mountains via a well-maintained 200 mile network of gravel roads. You will be one of six participants on a trip designed expressly for photographers.

During the short but intense Arctic summer, Nome is a magnet for breeding birds, all in their most photogenic plumages. We explore prime nesting habitat for shorebirds such as Bristle-thighed Curlew, Black-bellied Plover, Pacific and American Golden-Plovers, Bar-tailed Godwit, Wandering Tattler, Red-necked Phalarope, Ruddy Turnstone, Red Knot, and others.

Coastal tundra and the Kigluaik Mountains - click for gallery

Here “rarities” such as Northern Wheatear and Yellow Wagtail are common. Nome also hosts Red-throated and Pacific Loons; Common and King Eider; Harlequin Duck and all three Scoters; Willow and Rock Ptarmigans; Parasitic, Pomarine, and Long-tailed Jaegers; Black-legged Kittiwake and Arctic and Aleutian Terns; Lapland Longspur, Common and Hoary Redpolls, and more.

In addition to the abundant bird life, we will seek out muskox, which spend the summer in the surrounding area. Other photo highlights include reindeer, caribou, moose, Arctic wildflowers and dramatic mountain scenery. Most photo locations are a short walk from our vehicle.

This Photo Tour has been scheduled with over eight full days of photography, with optimum opportunities for great images. We stay in a comfortable motel in Nome and travel by 4WD vehicles to our photo locations.

Hoary Redpoll - click for gallery

Our small group size minimizes disturbance to the birds and maximizes your opportunities for intimate photographs. All ability levels are welcome. Bring plenty of film and/or memory cards — we’re in the land of the Midnight Sun at the Summer Solstice with over 21 hours of daylight.

Nome is a location that provides you with great Alaskan subjects and unique access to a vast and remote wilderness. Witness first-hand the amazing diversity and energy of the tundra as it comes to life. Join us and experience the adventure of the High Arctic and Nome.

Golden-crowned Sparrow - click for gallery Whimbrel - click for gallery