Bird watching IN NORWAY

Black-legged Kittiwake  -  one of thousands
Tekstboks: As one would expect in the coastal community of Berlevåg seabirds are the main attraction. But the 1,122 sq. km. that forms Berlevåg has a lot more to offer. Here you will find untouched nature where the marshes and moorlands can produce the unexpected. The tidal area of Kongsfjordbotn is worth a visit. However it is without a doubt that the three main sea-bird colonies Kongsøy, Helløy and Skarvholmen will be of the most interest By spring, both  Red-throated and Black-throated Divers are moving in off the sea to their inland breeding localities. Wildfowl too will be on the increase with such migrants as Common Teal and Northern Pintail arriving. Tufted Duck could be in the area, and don't forget to check for Greater Scaup as this species too has been recorded. Common Eider is as its name suggests, common while its smaller relative, the Steller's Eider is scarcer. Long-tailed Duck are not uncommon and both Red-breasted Merganser and Goosander can be found. Rough-legged Buzzard can be seen if rodent numbers are high and both White-tailed Eagle and Merlin can show up. The tidal areas at Kongsfjordbotn attracts such waders as Eurasian Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Common Redshank and Turnstone. Both European Golden Plover and Whimbrel could also stop there to rest and feed before they move to their inland breeding areas.  Eurasian Dotterel can also be seen inland. Spring and late summer are the best time to check for waders like Dunlin, Temminck's Stint, Ruff, Bar-tailed Godwit, Spotted Redshank and Wood Sandpiper. Red-necked Phalaropes can be found on freshwater pools along the fjord. Kongsøy is a large grass covered island with steep cliffs, and maybe the best of the islands to try and visit. The Later two are low lying islands with little or minimal vegetation. All three however have varying numbers of breeding sea birds. Great Cormorant, Shag, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull and Black-legged Kittiwake are amongst the commonest, while there are smaller numbers of Atlantic Puffin, Black Guillemot and Razorbill. Keep an eye open for Arctic and Long-tailed Skua. Like other areas of the far north, the selection of passerines is not great. Horned Lark has been recorded but must be regarded as scarce. Both Rock Pipit and Red-throated Pipit can be seen as well as a selection of the commoner thrush and finch. Bluethroat should also be easy enough to find. On a last note, Berlevåg has also produced summer observations of Snowy Owl and Arctic Redpoll through the years. How To Get There: Getting to Berlevåg is straight forward. Kongsøy and the other two island need a little more planning. As these islands are sea bird colonies, there may well be visiting restrictions during the breeding season. As mentioned Kongsøy may be the easiest island to visit. It is however a privately owned island. Please ask at the local tourist, or council office for details. Click here for map

Berlevåg

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Atlantic Puffin  - a colourful seabird

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Berlevåg Pensjonat