Bird watching IN NORWAY

Eurasian Wigeon  -  a spring visitor?
Tekstboks: Situated furthest north-west in the county, Måsøy municipality is a series of five large islands and has its mainland connection on the Porsanger peninsula. In addition to the five large islands there are over 400 smaller islands and skerries, one of the most famous is Fruholmen with Europe's most northerly manned lighthouse. Otherwise it is the sea-bird colonies that will be of most interest for the visiting bird watcher with such islands as Hjelmsøy, Ingøy and Rolvsøy. With over 2,200 stretches of freshwater in the area there is more than enough habitat for both Red and Black-throated Diver, both of which have been recorded. Both Fulmar and Northern Gannet have also been seen, so keep an eye open if you are doing any sea-watching. As one would expect with an area with so many islands, both Great Cormorant and Shag are a common sight. As with the divers, many wildfowl find the areas with freshwater to their liking. Whooper Swan has been recorded and Greylag Goose is seen most years. Common Teal and Mallard are undoubtedly the commonest of the dabbling ducks though Eurasian Wigeon, Northern Pintail and Northern Shoveler have also been recorded. There should be no problem in finding Common Eider and Long-tailed Duck while Common and Velvet Scoter, though recorded, may be harder to see. Both Red-breasted Merganser and Goosander have breed in the area. Both White-tailed Eagle and Golden Eagle can be seen from time to time, otherwise look out for Rough-legged Buzzard or one of the three falcons, Merlin, Gyr and Peregrine that have been recorded in the area. The lakes and areas of wetland that I have already mentioned attract most of the commoner waders that can be found in the far north. In addition you have the waders that can be found around the coast. Two of these are Eurasian Oystercatcher and Ringed Plover. European Golden Plover is a long established breeding species, while Northern Lapwing is a relative newcomer. Some of the calidris waders to be found include both Little and Temminck's Stint as well as some of the commoner. Ruff can also be found. Black-tailed Godwit is seen most years and Bar-tailed Godwit has been recorded. Both Whimbrel and Eurasian Curlew are regular, with the later being seen in varying numbers. Wood Sandpiper and Red-necked Phalarope can be found on roadside pools while rocky stretches of the coastline could produce Purple Sandpiper and Turnstone.  Both Arctic Skua and Great Skua can be found on the islands, with both species preferring the grassy plateau. Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls breed in suitable habitat, and though these species breed in good numbers, it is the numbers of Black-legged Kittiwake that impress. With an estimated 50,000 pairs it is awesome sight, and probably one of the commonest species to be found in the region. It has not however always been so. During the sixties, Common Guillemot numbered at least 100,000 pairs, and Hjelmsøy was without a doubt, the home of Norway's largest colony, but all this soon changed as the species experienced a dramatic fall in numbers, and reached an all time low during 1987 when only 500 pairs were present. During the last decade numbers have been on the increase, but it will take a long time before we experience numbers like the sixties. Brunnich's Guillemot can also be found and though not as common as the Razorbill with 10,000 pair and the Atlantic Puffin with 60,000 pair, over a 1000 pair of Brunnich's can be found. Though the "stacks" are an amazing site with thousands of sea birds, don't forget to look at the base of the cliffs. Here you will most probably see Black Guillemot. 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. Horned Lark has been seen during the breeding season, but must be regarded as rare. Check areas of scrub willow for Bluethroat while Northern Wheatear prefers more open areas. Both Fieldfare and Redwing breed. Sedge Warblers are not uncommon and Willow Warbler should seen. Once again the two commonest members of the finch family will be Brambling and Redpoll, while Arctic Redpoll has been seen during the summer months.  Buntings are represented by Lapland Longspur, Reed and Snow Bunting. How to get there: The islands can only be reached by boat. One of the best places to arrange this is Havøysund. Please remember that the island is a nature reserve and follow the local rules and regulations. Click here for map

Måsøy

Black-tailed Godwit are seen most years.

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