Bird watching IN NORWAY

Summer plumaged Dunlin  -  One of the commoner waders in the area.
Tekstboks: Welcome to Kautokeino. Here you will find unspoiled nature, and opportunities to bird watch off the beaten track. So many places look exciting, sometimes it is hard to chose. The species listed here are based on an area southwest of Kautokeino, near the Norwegian/Finnish border. In the east the Kautokeino river runs in a north-easterly direction, while the river Oskaljokka runs north-west. Here the tree limit runs at about 450 meter above sea level, with the surrounding habitat being a mixture of Dwarf Birch woodlands, marshes, bogs and lakes. Though shy and secretive  Black-throated Diver can be found on some of the lakes. Look out for Bean Goose, by mid summer birds should be starting to moult. Whooper Swan is never abundant and numbers vary from year to year, while Mallard can usually be found in pairs or at the most in small flocks. Other dabbling ducks that can be encountered include Eurasian Wigeon and Common Teal, it is however the latter that is the most common. Otherwise Tufted Duck and Common Goldeneye are well spread through the area. By late spring the first Long-tailed Duck, Black Scoter and Velvet Scoter will be moving into their breeding areas. Don't forget to check slow running rivers for Smew, other sawbills that have been recorded in the area are Red-breasted Merganser and Goosander. Willow Grouse can be found, and though this species is extensively hunted, numbers seem to remain good.  Waders are well represented with different habitats holding different species. Ringed Plover can be found in varying numbers and seems to prefer more open and dryer habitat. European Golden Plover is without doubt one of the commonest waders in the area, its lonely call drifting on the wind. If you get there early enough in the season you will see Temminck's Stints rising into the air, performing their characteristic breeding display. Dunlin, Ruff, Jack Snipe and  Common Snipe can also be found in the area, though members of the snipe family can be hard to find. Bar-tailed Godwits and Whimbrel are not uncommon in Finnmark, and Kautokeino also has a small population.  Of the Tringa waders it is Spotted Redshank that is the commonest with Common Sandpiper in second place.  Greenshank comes in last and though the species can be found, numbers never seem high. Wood Sandpiper on the other hand is common. And lastly Red-necked Phalarope, this species is present in varying numbers most years.   Long-tailed Skua is dependent on rodent numbers for breeding, the species can however usually be seen and in years with no or few rodents its not uncommon for the species to flock together. Arctic Terns can be seen on the many lakes and along the rivers. Looking at the passerines to be found.  Meadow Pipit and Yellow Wagtail are amongst the commonest while White Wagtail vary in numbers. One species that is not found in varying numbers is the Bluethroat, this species is common and along with the Northern wheatear are amongst the colourful of the passerines in the area. While Fieldfares are never found in great numbers Redwings are and should be found over most of the area. Sedge Warblers too can be found in varying numbers, while Willow Warbler are common. Great Grey Shrike breed in Finnmark and the species has been recorded in Kautokaino.  Two of the commoner finches are Brambling and Common Redpoll. Arctic Redpoll can be found if not every year, while Reed Bunting and Lapland Longspur can be found in their respective habitats. How to get there: As said once you are in Kautokeino, you can virtually bird anywhere with most of the above named species having being recorded in the area. There are some extensive bog areas in the east near Siebe and Oskal. These areas can be reached by following route 93. A few kilometre past Oskal you will find a track that takes you up to Suolujavrre. This is as good as place as any to start your exploration. Click here for map

Kautokeino

If you are lucky you may see Temminck’s Stint performing its breeding display.

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