A BIRDING PARADISE !


While observing the Little Curlew in Santa Maria, CA
Sandy Komito took the wrong step trying to get a
better LooK - he fell into quick-sand and the
other birders couldn't help him for all they
saw were his LOUD PLAID PANTS !!



on a more serious note.....

Attu - the name yields many special thoughts for those who have been there,
and a mystery and a sense of anticipation for those who haven't !   Attu is the
westernmost island of the Aleutians, nearly 2000 miles west of Anchorage and
the westernmost point in North America causing the International Date Line to
make a big jag to the west.  The island is much larger than most think being
approximately 50 miles long.  Attu however, is approximately the same latitude
as Seattle, WA but with much different weather!  It's a beautiful place, which
is an understatement, and yields some of North Americas most rarest birds -
and many First NA Records!!  Although beautiful, the 'remains' of WWII still
abound,  with oil drums (still leaking oil from the time of the war), and heavy
equipment left to rust on the hillsides and in the ocean.  It is a rugged island
with beautiful snow covered mountains, and a hike or bike ride anywhere will
yield fabulous views albeit sore bodies.  Mixed with snow, sleet, rain, and
wind,  any of the aforementioned elements in any order, not to mention the
cold,  will challenge even the heartiest of souls.  However, the birds that the
folks who venture to this remote place on earth for can be
MOST REWARDING !!!
Some even come here just for the "experience"!

Follow me on an 'adventure' tour of the sights of Attu.  Although you may see
many of the bird species found at Attu in the accompanying galleries
(BACK on your browser)
we have left this gallery page as a scenic tour of a visit to this majestic place.

On this map Attu is shown as "Navy Town, Alaska":

On this map Attu is shown as "Navy Town, Alaska":



Where is Attu?  The furthermost Aleutian Island from the mainland
and less than 250 miles from the Siberian coastline and
nearly 2,000 miles west of Anchorage.



A map of Attu Island - specifically the area covered in the
following images extending from the lower left corner (base camp)
to the lower right corner (Alexai Point).



Welcome to ATTU Island - A Birder's Paradise!
This is the first thing you'll see getting off the
Reever (Reeve Aleutian Airways) aside
from the pristine beauty of the island!!



Arriving at Attu on the infamous Reever.  The Reeve
Aleutian Airway pilots are some of the best in the world
and they prove it everyday in the Arctic/Aleutian weather.



Attu International runway!  On a trip back to base it is a welcome
relief to ride on hard pavement (the only place on the island) and it
is downhill for over 6000 feet.  When heading out from base camp
for a bird and struggling a headwind, even pavement seems a chore!



US Coast Guard - Loran Station (LORSTA)
The 25, give or take a couple, Coast Guard personnel attend this
Loran station - which affords the lucky birders the luxury of coming
to this island to bird.  With the advent of GPS it may be history soon.



Looking out over Casco Cove w/Gilbert Ridge in the background.
Casco Cove is the sight you see from the 'lower base' (quarters).
Gilbert Ridge (on the right side) extends out to Alexai and it is an
approximate ten mile journey from camp to Alexai!



A view back toward base camp - at the left-hand foot of
the mountain with a view of Navy Town.



'Warehouse' beach.  Looking back from Massacre Valley
toward the base camp.  At one time this was the Navys'
ship docks for supplies but the piers are barely standing today.



Another view of 'Warehouse' beach with a little sight of the
expected terrain while trying to 'chase' that life bird!



The mouth of the Peaceful River - an oxymoron for what
occured during the war but a beautiful river and valley.  The
fishing here will feed over 60 people with only two fisherman
fishing for a few hours!  Bring your fishing poles!



East Massacre Valley.  Beyond the runway and heading to
Gilbert Ridge and Alexai this is a beautiful valley with a tragic
history as the name implies.



Gilbert Ridge with its not so 'perfect' trail, extends along from
East Massacre Valley toward Alexai Point.  It's an arduous ride/
walk along it but yields beautiful waterfalls and scenery.



Alexai Point!  Usually the furthest point one travels while heading
east for a day of birding.  It has yielded many a life bird and is a
beautiful place to relax with your lunch.



The furthermost tip of Alexai Point.  An arduous walk (no bikes)
from the base of Alexai but many a good bird like Spectacled Eider
and Bean Goose have been seen here.



For the 'strong' and adventurous, there's the hike to Temnac Valley
(a magical place) to see the famed Attu White-tailed Eagle !



What the terrain looks like - a running stream w/lichen moss
and tundra when you're not walking on snow..



Temnac Valley !
If you are up to a full day's hike over snow covered mountains
and a raging creek, the sight you behold while entering this valley
almost (I said almost!) makes you forget you came here to see the
White-tailed Eagle.  To many, this is the most beautiful place on Earth.



Lower Base - where we reside!  Who promised Marriott?
Although looks can be deceiving, it's pretty much what you
see however the Attour staff has made it quite livable - for
Attu and birding standards!!



The 'formal' mode of transportation!  Although early birders
to the island walked, they then 'graduated' to 3 speed bikes.
Today, most are 20+ speed mountain bikes - but the terrain
can still test the strength of your legs.  Many come back with
leg muscles hard as a rock!



The 'Day Room".  Although the weather at Attu can be pretty bad,
only a couple of days are usually spent staying 'home'.  Quite a few
'stories' have been told here and a lot of mean Gin Rummy games!



Just 'hangin' out in the day room
David Narins, me, and the infamous Sandy Komito !



The walk to 'Upper Base' for meals is a welcome journey.
Although remote, the Attour staff serves fantastic meals that
really hits the spot after a tough day out in the field.



Al Driscoll taking in the Hot Tub !  Yeah, on the one sunny day
the hot tub goes up !  It's a welcome relief after a 'tough' day of birding!



Gettin' friendly with the islands Arctic Fox a participant
attempts to make friends.



The author in his 'humble abode' !!  We call it the Hilton,
although it lacks a few of the amenities !!




Some more to come !!  Hope you enjoyed your stay !!
 

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