Bird watching IN NORWAY

Many birders visit Vardø in the hope of seeing Bruuich’s Guillemot
Tekstboks: Vardø, and yet another great area to visit. With the seabird colonies at Hornøy and Reinøy being of major importance. Always be on the look out for White-billed Diver (I saw one on my last visit here) Otherwise sea-duck are usually present in varying numbers with all three species of Eider, however, King Eider numbers are best during the winter months with max counts of up to 3,000 birds during February. Other than the Eiders, Long-tailed Duck should also be present. To check for sea-duck just walk out onto the harbour wall. Looking beyond the harbour you have the islands of Hornøy and Reinøy. By March many of the seabirds are returning to their nesting sites on the cliffs and ledges. Northern Fulmar and Gannet breed, preferring the higher areas or cliff faces. Great Cormorant and Shag however user the lower areas of the colony. As one would expect with such a large concentration of seabirds there is always a chance of Skua. Both Herring Gull and Greater Black-backed Gull nest in their thousands, in fact, the islands hold Europe's largest colony with an estimated 40 - 50,000 pairs. Black-legged Kittiwake is also a common breeder with 23,000 pairs. However is is the auks that most birders will be interested in. Here you will find Common and Brunnich's Guillemot, Razorbill sharing the cliffs while Atlantic Puffin prefers grassier areas where it can find a tunnel to nest in. Black Guillemot prefer being nearer the sea and often nest amongst the boulders at the foot of the colony. The last remaining auk, Little Auk is mostly seen during the winter months.  Other species that may be seen during the warmer months include Short-eared Owl, also keep a look out for both Lapland Longspur and Snow Bunting. How To Get There:  There are visiting restrictions at Hornøy and Reinøy during the breeding season. For more information, and information on boat transport take contact with the local tourist office in Vardø. Click here for map

Vardø

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