Walrus Islands — State Game Sanctuary
Round Island Bird Checklist

Reporting New or Unusual Sightings

Any birds listed as “rare” or “Accidental/Casual” on this list, and any evidence of nesting (nest or chicks) for a bird not listed as a breeding species, should be shown to Round Island staff for verification.

To document a bird not on this list, you may take a photograph, using a telephoto lens. Whether or not a photo is taken, you should take a very careful look at the bird, remembering as much detail as possible. Point out the bird to others without saying what you think it is. If possible, compare notes while looking at the bird after other observers have had a chance to identify it. Before checking a field guide, write a brief description and sketch the bird showing the pattern of markings and labeling colors. Then check your field guide to confirm your sighting. Report unusual sightings to Round Island staff as soon as possible.

Bird and mammal species inhabiting Round Island are relatively well-known. Relative abundance is less well-known. Most of the accidental species have been identified by only one observer; hence they are unverified. Other nesting birds and Accidental/Casual vagrants are likely to be observed. Hopefully, this list will focus future attention on the birds of Round Island, and it will be updated periodically as new observations are collected. Very little is known about the birds on other islands in the Sanctuary.

Round Island seems to attract fewer unusual birds than islands in the western Aleutians, and many of the species on this list are casual or accidental vagrants that are unlikely to be encountered by visitors. If you are hoping to see some of the more typical birds of western Alaska, plan to spend at least a few hours birding in the vicinity of Togiak Cannery and Dillingham.