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
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.
