June 10, 2018. Birding Trip Day 3. Pribilof Islands.

On our last day in the Pribilofs, we visited another set of cliffs with lots of nesting Alcids, and we returned to a rocky shoreline to look for a very rare shorebird that we'd missed yesterday. This time we spotted it: Terek Sandpiper -- such a thrill. In that area, we also saw two rare gulls and many of the other local specialties.

In Northern Fur Seal society, 600-pound males fight to control territory and the right to mate with any female that comes into their territory. These males rule their part of the beach. However, an Arctic Fox walked out on the sand and seemed to nip at the toes of the "beach master.". When the behemoth struggled to turn and attack the pest, the fox just moved a few quick steps to safety. This went on for some time and was a treat to watch.

After a day of birding this wonderful place, we piled back onto our twin turboprop for an evening flight back to Anchorage.

Night in Anchorage (Coast International Inn).

Trip Map.