Bird watching IN NORWAY

The area on the north side of the lighthouse gives the best advantage points.
Tekstboks: The Slettnes nature reserve and bird observatory is to be found in the coastal area north of Gamvik. Covering an area of 12 sq.km., the habitat is a mixture of lakes and surrounding bog bordered by the sea. Sea watching can be rewarding with such species as White-billed Diver being regularly recorded, while Manx Shearwater, though seen  must be classed as rare. Numbers of Great Cormorants vary from month to month as do Common Eider. Both King and Steller's Eiders are also seen from time to time. Eurasian Wigeon and Mallard prefer the many areas of wetland that can be found. This habitat also suits the many species of waders that have been recorded on the reserve. The area can boast one of the northern most breeding sites for Northern Lapwing. Other waders that have been recorded include Grey Plover, Red Knot, Curlew Sandpiper, Purple Sandpiper, Dunlin, Ruff, Eurasian Woodcock, Bar-tailed Godwit and Wood Sandpiper, with the more interesting being Pectoral Sandpiper and Semipalmated Sandpiper. Arctic Skuas are common with 170 pairs breeding in the area, while the three other species of skua that can be found in Norway are regularly seen during migration. Gull numbers can be good, especially Glaucous Gull with winter counts of 300. Iceland Gull, though seen in the area is a lot more scarce. Other species that have been seen while sea watching include Little Gull, Black-legged Kittiwake, Brunnich's Guillemot and Black Guillemot. With the arrival of spring passerines move back into the area,  Meadow Pipit, Red-throated Pipit, Lapland Longspur and Snow Bunting can be found. Keep an eye open for Bluethroat as well as the unexpected, a Rose-coloured Starling was seen in the area during June 2002. Some of the better birding areas include the lighthouse at Slettnes. Situated 4km. from Gamvik you can follow the road and park at the lighthouse. There is no problem with entering the lighthouse area, and it is best to sit on the north side of the buildings for the best advantage points. Other than that Varnesodden is worth a visit. Follow the road straight on past the lighthouse until you come to another parking area. From here it is about a 100m to a hide. How To Get There: From Lakselv travel north on the E6 to you come to a sign for Ifjord on route 98. This is a streatch of about 120 km, at Ifjord you turn left and follow the sign for Mehamn/Kjøllefjord on route 888 (another 100 km) Before reaching the center at Mehamn you will see a sign for Gamvik Click here for map

Gamvik

Snow Buntings are usually to be seen

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Accommodation

Mehamn Arctic Hotel