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There are few places left on Earth waves, an event locals call the Every May, visitors from around the
where you can still witness migration “Avian Aurora”. It is nothing short of world gather in this remote coastal town
on a truly epic scale, where the sky itself unforgettable. to immerse in nature and engage in a
seems alive. But the Copper River Delta Shorebird welcoming community of artists, scientists, of Cordova itself that stays with you long The Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival
Each spring, millions of shorebirds Festival is more than a chance to witness and fisherfolk. From guided excursions after. typically takes place during the first week of
descend upon the Copper River Delta in a one of the world’s great wildlife migrations. It and educational workshops to community Nestled between the Chugach Mountains May, timed with the peak of the migration
breathtaking spectacle of motion, sound, is an opportunity to experience a community events, art experiences, and conversations and Prince William Sound, Cordova is around May 8. Come for the birds, stay for
and survival. Arriving from as far away as deeply connected to the natural systems with locals; during the Copper River Delta a working fishing community where life the community, and leave with a renewed
the southern tip of Chile, these tiny travelers that sustain it. In Cordova, conservation is Shorebird Festival, residents invite visitors still moves with the rhythms of the tides, sense of connection to the landscapes and
have crossed oceans and continents to not just an idea. It is a way of life shaped into a richer understanding of the Copper the seasons, and the returning salmon. people working to protect this extraordinary
corner of the world.
The arrival of the shorebirds coincides
reach the rich wetlands of Cordova, Alaska. by fishing, science, Indigenous knowledge, River Delta and the people who call it home.
When they rise together from the stewardship, and a profound respect for The Delta itself is extraordinary. Spanning with the return of commercial fishermen For more information, visit:
mudflats in shimmering synchronized place. more than 700,000 acres, it is the largest preparing for the summer fishing season, a coppershorebird.com or contact the
contiguous wetland on the Pacific Coast of convergence of migrations that reflects the Cordova Chamber of Commerce:
North America and has been recognized as deep interconnectedness between people cordovachamber.com.
and place.
a site of “Hemispheric Importance” by the
Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Throughout the festival, visitors are invited
Network. These wetlands provide critical to experience that connection firsthand.
habitat for migratory birds and countless Explore freshwater wetlands and coastal
other species, while also acting as a nursery ecosystems, hear from internationally
recognized scientists and conservation
for Cordova’s famous Copper River Salmon
and supporting the cultural fabric of the leaders, enjoy locally harvested seafood,
region. create art inspired by the landscape, and
Just five miles from downtown Cordova, share stories with the fishermen, artists,
Hartney Bay offers visitors front-row access educators, and families who help shape this
remarkable community.
to flocks that can number in the tens of
thousands. Expert local guides are on hand Even the journey to Cordova becomes
during festival outings while visitors witness part of the experience. Whether arriving
western sandpipers, dunlin, whimbrels, and by plane or aboard the Alaska Marine
other shorebirds feeding and resting before Highway ferry system, visitors travel through
a landscape of glaciers, mountains, forests,
continuing north.
And while the birds may be what and open water that hints at the wild beauty
brings you here, it is often the experience waiting ahead.
photos by
Milo Burcham & Chelsea Tracy
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