Bird watching IN NORWAY

Fulmar on the nest
Tekstboks: With Norway's third largest sea bird colony, Lebesby has a lot to offer, both at sea and on land. The tidal habitat at Adamsfjord is typical for many such areas in the county. Deposits from the River Adam have formed sandbanks, and when the tide is low, there is a large area of mudbanks that stretch for about a kilometre. The surrounding habitat is mostly Birchwood with smaller areas of cultivated land. This combination of habitats attracts several species and the area is always worth checking. Both Red-throated and Black-throated Divers are seen most years, the same can't be said for Slavonian Grebe, though recorded this species must be regarded as scarce. There is usually plenty of wildfowl to watch. There has been mid-summer observations of Whooper Swan while the first geese start arriving early in May. Greylag are usually the most numerous while such species as Pink-footed Goose and Barnacle Goose have also been recorded.  for many species it is just a stop over and numbers vary. Common Shelduck have breed from time to time as has Eurasian Wigeon. Common Teal can be seen during migration and there is always a chance of Northern Pintail. Gadwall has also been recorded but must be regarded as rare so far north. Tufted Duck are recorded most years though numbers vary. The same can't be said for Common Eider, this species is usually in very good numbers along with smaller numbers of Long-tailed Duck. Both Common and Velvet Scoter have been recorded as have all three species of sawbill with Smew being the rarest. White-tailed Eagle are seen regularly, while there have been single observations of Hen Harrier in 2001 and a Northern Goshawk in 2002. Rough-legged Buzzard can also be seen in good rodent years. Check moorland habitat for Merlin, there is always a chance of seeing Willow Grouse or Rock Ptarmigan there too. The tidal feeding areas at Adamsfjord  attract a host of waders. Both Eurasian Oystercatcher and Ringed Plover are the commonest waders but other species like Red Knot, Temminck's Stint, Dunlin, Ruff, Bar-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Eurasian Curlew, Common Redshank, Wood Sandpiper and Turnstone have been recorded in the area. Don't forget to check roadside pools for Red-necked Phalarope. The area is also used by roosting gulls with Herring and Great Black-backed Gull being the most numerous, and as with any large gull roost in the north of Norway it is always worth checking for "white-winged gulls". When the tide is in Arctic Terns find the shallow waters to their liking and can often been seen fishing and be on the lookout for Arctic Skua or a wandering Long-tailed Skua. Several species of passerine can be found, some of them however must be regarded as passing migrants. Four species of Pipit have been seen with Red-throated Pipit being of most interest for the visiting birder. Both Yellow and White Wagtail should be around by May as should Hedge Accentor. Bohemian Waxwing has been seen during the breeding season. Check areas of scrub willow for Bluethroat while Northern Wheatear prefers more open areas. Both Fieldfare and Redwing breed. Sedge Warblers are not uncommon while Garden Warbler, though recorded must be regarded as scarce. Willow Warbler on the other hand are usually numerous. Pied Flycatcher are seen most years  Members of the tit family are represented by Willow Tit though both Great Tit and Blue Tit have been seen. Another species to be recorded on a few occasions is the Great-grey Shrike. Once again the two commonest members of the finch family will be Brambling and Redpoll. Buntings are represented by Lapland Longspur, Reed and Snow Bunting. There was also a Yellowhammer that stayed around for a few days in 2001. Other rarities that have been recorded over the past few years include Egret Heron and Hoopoe. How to get there: The area is straightforward to find. From Lakselv, follow route 98 along the fjord, after passing Børselv (another site worth checking) head for Storfjordbotn. Adamsfjord is situated between Kunes and Friarfjord. Click here for map  

Lebesby

Rough-legged Buzzard

Snow Bunting

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