Spring has Arrived in Homer Alaska
The call of the Sandhill Cranes as they descended into their nesting areas in Homer, Alaska, heralded the arrival of their smaller but very welcome cousins.
The Shorebirds are arriving, and the 31st Annual Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival will celebrate their visit.
The Homer Alaska Shorebird Festival
Homer, Alaska, is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, especially those interested in observing shorebirds and the effects of tides on the birds.
Tricky Tides
Tides move quickly, and it is important to know your location as the water moves in and out. To preserve bird habitats, please observe from a safe distance at all times to protect the shoreline and nesting areas.
A Feast After Rising
Homer, Alaska, has two high and two low tides each day and a maximum tidal range of over 25 feet.
High tide is the perfect time to view the birds resting and waiting near shore. The sand loosens as the high tide moves out, giving the birds fresh feasting opportunities twice a day. The birds can quickly probe for prey using their sensitive beaks and roost on the loose sand.
Shorebirds in Homer typically have long legs and toes, allowing them to wade without getting wet. They also have longer beaks, enabling them to search deeper into the sand and mud for food.
Low Tide Luxury
As the tide recedes from shore, shorebirds use their long beaks to probe the sand and mud for buried prey. Carefully probing the sand or mud, they search for tasty morsels such as worms, crustaceans, and mollusks buried beneath the surface.
Some shorebird species, such as sandpipers and plovers, also run along the shoreline to catch small crustaceans and other prey exposed by the receding tide. At low tide, shorebirds may also rest, preen their feathers, or engage in social behaviors such as courtship displays and territorial disputes.
When the tide rises again, the birds will return to higher ground to avoid being trapped by the incoming water.
The tides in Homer, Alaska, play an essential role in shaping the marine environment and provide a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the area's natural beauty, including the diverse and fascinating shorebirds that call it home.
Easy Prey
Homer's year-round resident, the Majestic Eagle, will hang around carefully, watching for a snack opportunity. Look up from the shore, you'll see them waiting patiently to swoop down and scoop up a tasty morsel. Otters will frolic in the marina, and treasures of the tidepool will appear. Keep your eyes peeled and camera ready - there is always a nature viewing opportunity on Kachemak Bay!
Don't forget to bring your camera to the Homer Alaska Shorebird Festival!