Eider ducks and Aurora Borealis in Varanger

Varanger peninsula and Pasvik valley.

“Enjoy the beautiful artic birds on closer range. From the intense bird cliffs to the peaceful taiga”

Ten thousands of King Eiders and Common Eiders are wintering along the arctic coast of Varanger. The critically endangered Steller`s Eider has become very hard to find in Europe. In Varanger it it still a common bird at this time of the year. They often enter the fishing harbours, where they come close to land. From photo hides you can get close up to all the three species of Eider, as well as the Long-tailed Duck.

Hornøya bird cliff

At the Hornøya bird cliff, the Seabirds are returning in thousands. Now they compete for the best breeding sites. The fighting Puffins are a spectacular sight and popular for photographers. A path takes you through the colony, just meters away from the birds. This is one of the best places in Europe to see the Brünnick`s Guillemot (Thick-billed Murre). The other species you will get a near encounter with here is Common Guillemot, Razorbill, European Shag and Kittiwake. White-tailed Eagle is a fairly common sight and the rare Gyr Falcon is frequently seen, hunting in the birdcliffs.

Purple Sandpiper, Black Guillemot and Glaucous Gull are common birds along the coast. Iceland Gull, Common Scoter, Velvet Scoter and White-billed Diver occur in smaller numbers. We will also keep an eye out for the rare Ivory Gull.

The Snow Buntings arrive in the secound half of March and gather along the coast in big flocks.

 

Fighting Puffins Fighting Puffins

Siberian specialities

The taiga forest in the Pasvik valley,- is home for several Siberian species. Bird feeders attract Pine Grosbeak, Siberian Jay, Siberian Tit and Arctic Redpoll as well as Willow tit and Northern Bullfinch. The Hawk Owl is often sitting exposed, close to the road. Willow Grouse, Black Grouse, Capercaillie and Waxwing are other species we will search for,- along the Russian border.

Aurora borealis. The Northern lights can be a spectacular sight. This is a good place and time to see this unique nature phenomenon. We will look for it in the evenings with clear sky.

Seabird migration in Varanger

Varanger and  Pasvik.

During May the masses of migratory birds arrive. Some species are passing by, while others return to their breeding grounds. A massive Seabird migration can be seen from the outermost points,- along the coast. Fulmars are the most numerous and can come in a constant stream, as far as the eye can see.

Pomarine Skua and White-billed Diver are character birds at this time. Long-tailed Skua, Arctic Skua, Red-throated,- and Black-throated Diver are other species that can be observed in impressive numbers. Other highlights are the big flocks of Common Scoters and Long-tailed Duck. King Eiders are still present in good numbers, while the Steller`s Eider are seen in smaller flocks.

Pomarine Skua Pomarine Skua

Varangerfjord

Thousands of Shorebirds in their beautiful breeding plumage, gather along the coast . Among the species are Bar-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Ruddy Turnstone, Red Knot, Temminck`s Stint, Little Stint, Red- necked Phalarope and Ruff.

The Ruff lek is a spectacular sight. Males with a vast varaity of plumages gather to fight. Unfortunately the populations have declined dramatically,- all over Europe. Varangere still hosts a healthy population, but extra precautions are required when photographing this endangered species.

Rough-legged Buzzard and White-tailed Eagle are rather common to see. Merlin, Gyr Falcon and Peregrine Falcon are also frequently seen, hunting along the coast. Flocks of Tundra Been Geese feed on the fields and marshes, often with some Pink-footed -and Greater White-fronted Goose mixed in. The extremely rare Lesser White-fronted Goose can be seen at this time of the year.

Hornøya bird cliff

At Hornøya bird cliff you will experience a sea bird colony,- on close range. Kittiwakes, European Shags, Atlantic Puffins, Razorbills, Common-, Black-, and Brünnick`s Guillemot all breed here. For the latter this is one of the few breeding sites in “mainland”- Europe.  Hornøya is excellent for photographing, as you can get within meters from the birds. A path takes you through the colony and up to the top of the island. Here you have a great view over the Barents Sea and the Varanger coast.

Pasvik

During May the returning passerines fills the taiga forest with songs. Bluethroat, Sedge Warbler, Willow Warbler and Tree Pipit being some of them. Taiga Bean Goose, Smew, Northern Hawkowl, Siberian Jay, Siberian Tit, Bohemian Waxwing and Pine Grosbeak also breed here. Other species you can expect to see here are Common Crane, Short-eared Owl, Capercaillie, Black Grouse and Willow Grouse. More scarse species are Tree-toed Woodpecker, Black Woodpecker and Hazel Hen.

Birding in the midnight sun, Varanger

The Varanger peninsula and the Pasvik valley. 

The midnight sun rips the artic landscape in a colourful light. The lovely atmosphere is accompanied by the singing Bluethroats, Lapland Buntings, Red-throated Pipit, and Shore Larks. 

During June the last migratory birds returns.  The latest is the Arctic Warbler and the Little Bunting wish both breeds in the Pasvik valley.  They winter in South-East Asia and has their Western most distribution in Northern Scandinavia. This is also home for several other Siberian species, such as Northern Hawk Owl, Siberian Jay, Siberian Tit, Waxwing, Pine Grosbeak, Smew, Whooper Swan and Taiga Bean Goose. Some of the other species you are likely to find here is Short-eared Owl, Little Gull, Capercaillie, Black,-and Willow Grouse.

Little Bunting Little Bunting

The tundra

After a long winter, the high-alpine mountains are filled with life. Eurasian Dotterel, European Golden Plover, Long-tailed Skua, Shore Lark, Lapland Bunting and Snow Bunting are character species here.  In the first half of June, the spectacular Ruff lek goes on. A photo hide can be set up at certain locations. The European populations  has unfortunately declined dramatically, so extra precautions is required when photographing the lek. The  Jack Snipe can seen flying around its territory, while making his strange galloping sound.

Hornøya bird cliff

At the Hornøya bird cliff  the nature shows it`s most charming and brutal side, as the chicks are hatching.  The fight for survival is obvious and the large Gulls, Ravens and White-tailed Eagles are a constant threat. European Shag, Atlantic Puffin, Razorbill, Common,-and Brünnick`s Guillemot all breed here, close to the path that takes you through the colony.  Other species that lives on this most eastern part of Norway are Barnacle Goose, Greylag Goose, Great Skua, Black Guillemot, Twite and Rock Pipit.

Varangerfjord

The shallow waters of the Varangerfjord is ideal for feeding Seabirds.  White-billed Divers, Great Northern Divers and King Eiders are possible to see the whole summer. Usually also singe individuals of the critically endangered Steller`s Eider.  The Huge mudflats and the long and diverse coastline, attracts huge numbers of shorebirds. Dunlin, Common Ringed Plover, Red-necked Phalarope, Temminck`s Stint and Turnstone are just some of the many species you will see.

Sea watching can be very productive in the inner part of the Varangerfjord, during Eastern winds. With some patience and luck can Sabine`s Gull, Leach Storm Petrel, European Storm Petrel, Manx Shearwater and Red Phalarope be seen. At this time the most unexpected birds can appear. Almost every year a “mega rarity” shows up, as well as several local rariteies.

 

Falsterbo in South- west Sweden

 Outstanding autumn migration at Falsterbo!

During a good morning flight, hundreds of thousands of birds gets concentrated over Falsterbo. They are lead towards the last strip of land, as they avoid crossing the open sea, as long as possible. The peninsula acts as a funnel and the migrating birds mostly pas on close range. The diversity is vast and includes several species of Passerines, Raptors, Waterfowls, Shorebirds and Seabirds.

The autumn migration starts already in the middle of July, with the adult shorebirds. During August and early September the other long-distance migrants leaves Northern Europe. Some of the most numerous is Honey Buzzard wish can appear in four figured numbers during one day, Eurasian Hobby, Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Greylag Goose, Common Swift, House Martin, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Tree Pipit, Yellow Wagtail and several species of Shorebirds. The small woods, scrubland and gardens attracts many nocturnal migrants like Redstarts, Flycatchers and several species of Warblers.

The migration is at the most intense from late September to the middle of October. Barnacle Goose, Brambling, Chaffinch, Wood Pigeon, Blue Tit and Starling are the most numerous species. Siskin, Linnet, Meadow Pipit, Common Eider and Eurasian Wigeon are just some of the many other species that migrates in large numbers. The raptor migration is perhaps the most famous attraction. Here you can see most of the North European species during a single day. Common Buzzard and Eurasian Sparrowhawk are the most numerous. In September and October, the daily numbers can reach several thousands.  Other common raptors at this time are Red Kite, Hen Harrier, Merlin and European Kestrel. The Pallid Harrier, Black Kite, Peregrine Falcon, White-tailed Eagle and Golden Eagle are more scares, but occurs frequently.

This nature phenomenon is something every birder should experience!

“The sky seems to be filled with drifting golden leafs, as the Sun hits the constant flow of Finches, Pipits and Buntings.  A wall of soft sound builds up by the calls from the migrating masses.  Creating the most peaceful and harmonic, jet intense atmosphere” Surrounded by birds you feel like you are in the center of the migration, exactly where you want to be. This in no place chill to much thou, and maximum attention is required. A minor change in tone, shape or flight pattern reveals a Ortolan Bunting, a Tawvy Pipit or a Citrine Wagtail, disappearing as quickly as it come.

 

falsterbo bird migration

Falsterbo is a charming village, surrounded by wetlands, meadows and small woodlands. On the northwest side of the peninsula extends a tiny strip of land, covered with sedge and salt marsh vegetation. On the west side lie a sand beach that stretches all the way south to Nabben. East and North is huge mudflats uncovered during low tide. This attracts thousands of Dunlins and other Shorebirds. Little Ringed Plover, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper and Pied Avocet. This is also a good area for resting Terns, Gulls, Waterfowl and Pipits.

A short drive inland will take you thru the countryside, to beech forests, meadows and lakes. The bird fauna here is quite different from that on the Falsterbo peninsula. Some of the species you can find here are Great Crested Grebe, Black Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Bearded Tit, Marsh Tit, Hawfinch and Kingfisher. Big flocks of Geese and Common Cranes feeds on meadow and fields. The nutritious lakes Krankesjon and Vombsjøen are great for Waterfowl and other freshwater species. Many Raptors hang around in Southern Scania, waiting for ideal migration weather. With some luck rare species like Red-footed Falcon, Lesser, -and Greater Spotted Eagle can be seen from strategic watching points.

Birding in Southern Norway

Day trips and longer tours.

 

Due to a mild climate and a diverse Nature, this region has the largest bio-diversity in Norway. Several species has their distribution limit here and the distance is short between the good birding areas. The coastline includes beaches, wetlands and rocky shores. Inside the coast lie cultural landscape, mixed forests and lakes. Further inland you will find large forests and mountains.

Thrush Nightingale, Marsh Warbler, European Reed Warbler, Red-backed Shrike, Hawfinch and European Nightjar have all good populations here, but are hard to see elsewhere in Norway. Here you can also find several species of Woodpeckers, Grouses and Raptors.

Mølen

Mølen is the best migration point in Norway. On good days, the numbers of migrating passerines can reach hundred thousand. The most numerous species are Brambling, Chaffinch, European Siskin and Wood Pigeon. Pink-footed Goose, European Siskin, Mealy Redpoll, Tree Pipit, Meadow Pipit are some of the many other species that occurs in high numbers. The surrounding Sea is important feeding area for Sea Ducks, Grebes and Divers. Especially for the Velvet Scoter, wish is common to see here the whole year. This is also a great “rarity trap” where some of the most remarkable records in Europe has been done. At the Mølen Ornithological Station you can have a look at the ringing activity and see some birds close up.

The peninsula is build up by the end moraine from the last ice age, 11000 years ago. Many brutal Viking battles has taken place here and several huge burial mounds are build up, by the pebbles. This is one of many historic sites in this part of Norway.

WaxwingWaxwing

The costal wetland areas Klåstadkilen, Ilene and Presterødkilen are good localities for Shorebirds, Waterfowls and Raptors. Other interesting sites are the islands Jumfruland and Stråholmen and the nutritious lakes Borrevannet and Børsesjø.

From the outermost points along the coast  is good for watching Seabirds. With southern winds large numbers of Gannets, Fulmars, Kittiwakes and other Seabirds can pas on a rather close range. Little Auk, Manx Shearwater, Pomarine Skua and Little Gull are some of the other species that can be seen.

 

Contact us
For booking or questions!

An all-inclusive tour normally last from 7 – 12 days. With accommodation in nice hotels, all ground transport, meals and entrance fee included. Shorter tours and day trips is also arranged.