With over 160 bird species making their homes here, Denali National Park has been a tourism hotspot for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers for many years. While it's nice to get great views and capture memorable shots, don't forget to respect the birds and other local fauna. Here's a brief guide on how to photograph the birds if you plan to visit Denali soon.

What Gear Can I Use Around Birds? 

If you want to capture photos of the birds' natural behavior in their habitat, you'll want to avoid disturbing them when prepping your camera equipment. Portable blinds and long-focus camera lenses help you get close-up shots without having to get too close to the birds and their nesting areas. However, you'll want to avoid using drones, as national parks have prohibited them and their propellers can scare or injure wildlife.

How Do I Get Close to a Bird?

This often depends on the bird. Some may not mind, while others quickly get spooked when you get within a few feet of them. The park staff will let you know the rules on how close you can approach the wildlife. In any case, staying quiet and avoiding sudden movements always helps the bird get used to your presence. Eventually, you can come closer as long as you don't try to disturb their nests or disrupt their activities.  Wearing dull or earth tones can also help you blend in with the scenery and appear less threatening to them.

When Is the Ideal Time for Taking Photos?

Denali National Park tourism peaks from June to August, but you can come from May until September since many birds here are migrating species and only stay between late spring and early fall. Some species, like the willow ptarmigan, stay year-round, so you can book a trip during colder months if you like. To avoid using flash, which disrupts the birds' vision, you can shoot during the daytime to make the most of the natural lighting.

How Can I Find the Birds I Want? 

Most Denali Park visitors aren't allowed to drive past Mile 15, which means you'll have to ride park buses or hike your way throughout the rest of the area to get to the birds. The friendly park guides are always happy to offer you tips on the best bird photography spots. They'll also warn if you're headed to restricted nesting sites. The National Park Service also has a Denali birding guide that shows where to find popular bird species. 

For extra safety, you can also sign up with a Denali nature tourism group that conducts guided photography tours. 

If you're looking for a base camp for your nature tourism trip in Denali, the Denali Totem Inn, located in Healy, AK, is ideal for you. It's a rustic hotel just a short distance away from the park with comfortable rooms, delicious food, and warm, friendly staff. You can call them for inquiries at (907) 683-6500 or book a room online today.