alta

Bird watching IN NORWAY

Common Redshank - Just one of many waders to be found at Altaosen.

Tekstboks: The wetland area of Altaosen is formed by the tidal area at the end of the fjord and the river outlets of Alta and Tverrelva. The combination of habitats including mudbanks and low grasslands form a typical delta. The large island of Rørholmen dominates the area, and many of the birds to be found can be seen here. Other than wetland, there are also areas of deciduous woodlands, with Birch being the commonest species, this habitat provides habitat for such species as Willow Warbler and Brambling during the summer months. The delta itself has three main functions, providing feeding, breeding and resting areas for the many birds that pass through the area. Good numbers of Greylag Goose rest in the area during both the spring and autumn movements. Other wildfowl to be seen include such species as Eurasian Wigeon and Common Teal. These join the resident Mallard. Both Garganey and Northern Shoveler have been recorded, but these are rare species so far north. From the month of May good numbers of Tufted Duck can be seen, often resting on the sandbanks that are to be found along Tverrelva. Long-tailed Duck can be seen through the year in varying numbers, while Goodander numbers can reach peaks of 350+ birds from the autumn . Another sawbill, the Red-breasted Merganser is also frequently seen. As one would expect with any tidal area waders are well represented. From March the Eurasian Oystercatcher is returning from its southern wintering grounds with many birds stopping off at Altaosen, and a few remaining to breed. Another breeding species is the Northern Lapwing. Though this species didn't establish itself in Finnmark until the late fifties, this splendid wader is now a regular breeder. One of the most numerous small waders is the Dunlin and numbers can be as many as 1500 birds. Like all small wader flocks it's always worth checking for other species. Bar-tailed Godwit with its deep rust-red underparts is one of the more eye-catching waders that can be found with flocks of up to 300 being recorded. Black-tailed Godwit on the other hand is rare with only a few records. From May, small flocks stop to feed and rest on their way to their tundra breeding grounds. Other large waders that are regularly seen are both Eurasian Curlew and Whimbrel, the later arriving during early May. Purple Sandpiper can reach numbers of 500+ and is often seen during the winter months. One wader that is not seen in good numbers is the Broad-billed Sandpiper, though this species has been recorded it is very rare. Members of the gull family are well represented. Both Black-headed Gull and Common Gull can be seen from spring, and both species breed in the area. Both Herring Gull and Great Black-backed Gull are regular visitors and numbers can vary. Other than the gulls, Arctic Terns breeds, while Black Tern is rare and a good observation so far north.. Passerines are represented with several species. One of the most characteristic is the White Wagtail. A true spring visitor, this species breeds in the area and is not uncommon. How to get there: Getting to Alta is straight forward. Altaosen can be reached from several advantage points. For further details on how to get to the observation tower, contact the local tourist office.
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Alta

Eurasian Curlew is just one of the larger waders to have been recorded

Accommodation

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