Posted by Dan Roberts on March 14, 2011 at 5:45 AM
For the past couple of years since I got into bird photography I've been planning on making it down to Cordova for the spring migration but something always gets in the way. This year am determined to get down there. The main question I've got is in regards to access. Where does one actually go to get to the beach/birds? I've been to Cordova half a dozen times or so but only to the marina, town, and out to the bridge. Where are the little birdies going to be?
I'm considering one of four options.
1) Walk on ferry with a bike. Challenge here is that I don't know how far to where the birds are and not to thrilled about riding in the rain (which based on my experience is a pretty safe bet to occur).
2) Walk on ferry and rent a car. Is a car necessary?
3) Drive on ferry. Can carry more stuff and have transport on that end. But is a car necessary?
4) Take my own boat across from Whittier. I've heard the birds can be found on the banks of the cut between Hawkins and Hinchenbrook Island. With my own boat could easily access this area with less people around. Will ultimately have to go to Cordova for fuel anyway. Once ther won't have a car. But is a car necessary?
Any advice would be appreciated.
Posted by Ron Niebrugge on March 14, 2011 at 11:06 AM
It is about 5 miles to the best birds from town - a little more from the ferry. I can't imagine not having a car - every time I have been there for the migration it has been raining and cold. I have rented in Cordova, but it wasn't cheap. I usually take my vehicle on the ferry, but if I still had my own boat, I would use it.
The weather in Cordova can be wildly variable, with more wind on the outwash plain than is common elsewhere in the Sound. I can't imagine trying to bicycle out there in some of the weather I've seen.
There are semi-frequent shuttles from downtown to the birdier areas.
Posted by Dan Roberts on March 24, 2011 at 8:02 PM
Thanks for the input. Reminding me of all the rain down there is damping my enthusiasm for the whole idea But I guess ya gotta go where the birds are and unfortunately they don't work to our schedule. I'm thinking drive on the ferry sounds like a plan. Most predictable mode of planning...
Discussion
3 repliesI'm considering one of four options.
1) Walk on ferry with a bike. Challenge here is that I don't know how far to where the birds are and not to thrilled about riding in the rain (which based on my experience is a pretty safe bet to occur).
2) Walk on ferry and rent a car. Is a car necessary?
3) Drive on ferry. Can carry more stuff and have transport on that end. But is a car necessary?
4) Take my own boat across from Whittier. I've heard the birds can be found on the banks of the cut between Hawkins and Hinchenbrook Island. With my own boat could easily access this area with less people around. Will ultimately have to go to Cordova for fuel anyway. Once ther won't have a car. But is a car necessary?
Any advice would be appreciated.
There are semi-frequent shuttles from downtown to the birdier areas.