nordkapp

Bird watching IN NORWAY

The Atlantic Puffin - A favourite amongst the visiting birders

Tekstboks: Like most areas along this stretch of coastline, Nordkapp also has a seabird reserve that is worth visiting. The name of the reserve is Gjesværstappan, and includes the three islands of Storstappen, Kjerkestappe and Bukkstappen. Like most seabird colonies, it is numbers that impress, and of the three islands, it is Storstappen that holds the most breeding pairs of seabirds. The one time inhabited island has an interesting history, with the island first being mentioned in 1598. Today Gjesværstappan is left to the birds except when the local inhabitants from Gjesvær visit the island to collect Cloudberries that grow in abundance. Cloudberries are not the only thing to be collected from the islands. The locals also keep the long tradition of collecting gull eggs alive. If you have the chance, give this local delicacy a try. Both Red-throated and Black-throated Diver have been seen in the area, though numbers are never high. During 1978 the first Fulmars were found breeding, and numbers are on the increase. Another species that is probably increasing in numbers is Europe's smallest seabird, the Storm Petrel. The species was first found breeding during 1988, but due to its nocturnal lifestyle it can be hard to see. . One species that is easier to see is the Northern Gannet. This species started breeding in the north of Norway during the seventies. The colony started in 1988 with 2 pairs and has grown to over 20 pairs today. Great Cormorant on the other hand can be found in their hundreds with Kjerkestappe being a popular place. Its smaller cousin, the Shag can also be found breeding amongst the lower rocks. Greylag Geese can usually be found in the breeding season, though numbers are never high. Common Eider on the other hand breeds in abundance. Other seaduck to watch out for include King Eider, Long-tailed Duck and Black Scoter. Moving away from wildfowl and onto birds of prey, White-tailed Eagle can be found on the islands, often causing havoc as it soars close to the breeding seabirds. Gjesværstappan is not the best place for wader studies. Eurasian Oystercatcher can be seen around the islands while the grassy plateau can attract such species as Eurasian Curlew and the smaller Whimbrel. One species that is attracted to the plateau are Arctic Skua. Here they find perfect breeding habitat, while at the same time there are thousands of other seabirds that they can mob in the hope of snatching food. As one would expect, gull numbers are good with breeding Common Gull, Herring Gull and Great Black-backed Gull. It is however Black-legged Kittiwake that is the commonest member of the family with an estimated 5 to 10 thousand pairs. Though this species is common, it takes second place to another species when it comes to numbers. The Atlantic Puffin with an estimated 50,000 pairs far out numbers it. In fact Gjesværstappan holds one of the largest colonies of this species in the county. Other auks to be found include 2,500 pairs of Razorbill, 600 pairs of Common Guillemot, 25 pairs of Brunnich's Guillemot. The last member of the family, the Black Guillemot can also be found. How to Get There: The islands lie roughly 15 km. west of the North Cape plateau. Access is not permitted onto the reserve between the 15 June and the 15 August. However there are bird watching trips from Gjesvær on the good ship Havsule. For more information you can contact the captain on his mobile phone. 948 04 030.
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Nordkapp

You will see Common Eider - but be on the lookout for King Eider as well

There are over 600 pairs of Common Guillemot.

Accommodation

Northcape Guesthouse