Westchester Lagoon
Ecosystem Overview
The Westchester Lagoon ecosystem supports 78 documented wildlife species across 60 taxonomic genera. Located in anchorage, alaska, this area provides critical habitat with diverse natural communities. The location hosts 16 frequently observed species and 15 occasionally documented species, creating a balanced ecosystem with both resident and visiting wildlife. While Anchorage nearby has 22% more documented species, Westchester Lagoon offers unique wildlife observation opportunities. This location ranks #2 for species diversity among 11 anchorage County natural areas, placing it in the 82th percentile for biodiversity.
Biodiversity Highlights
Species Distribution
Regional Context
Most Common Species
Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 78 total documented species.
Podiceps grisegena
red-necked grebe
Anas platyrhynchos
mallard
Mareca americana
American Wigeon
Branta canadensis
Canada goose
Cygnus buccinator
trumpeter swan
Mareca strepera
Gadwall
Aythya marila
greater scaup
Bucephala albeola
Bufflehead
Sterna paradisaea
Arctic Tern
Larus brachyrhynchus
Short-billed Gull
Aythya affinis
Lesser Scaup
Bucephala clangula
common goldeneye
Anas crecca
teal, common teal
Mergus merganser
goosander
Tringa melanoleuca
Greater Yellowlegs
Pica hudsonia
Black-billed Magpie
Bucephala islandica
Barrow's goldeneye
Ondatra zibethicus
Muskrat
Spatula clypeata
Northern Shoveler
Limnodromus griseus
Short-billed Dowitcher
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Nearby Wildlife Areas in Anchorage
Discover 8 other wildlife-rich locations near Westchester Lagoon. Each offers unique biodiversity and wildlife viewing opportunities.
🌿 Premier Wildlife Areas (1 nearby)
🌱 Specialized Habitats (1 nearby)
📍 Explore These Areas (6 nearby)
Regional Wildlife Network
These nearby locations complement Westchester Lagoonwithin Anchorage's wildlife network. Species counts reflect documented observations and help identify the most biodiverse areas for your nature explorations.