Bird watching IN NORWAY

Male Long-tailed Duck
Tekstboks: There are two good areas, both tidal, and both good for migrating waders. The first is  near the church, and is the area between the mainland and the small island out in the fjord that is known as Løkhølmen. Farmland stretches down to the very edge of the fjord and there is a small pond on the headland that is worth checking for Red-necked Phalarope. Black-throated Diver are not uncommon on the fjord while White-billed Diver, Slavonian Grebe, Bewick's Swan and have been recorded on passage, and must be regarded as rare . Common Shelduck though regarded as rare in Finnmark are often seen in the area.  Shearwaters sp. have been seen out on the fjord during during periods with northerly winds. Another sea bird that has also been seen, and  is worth noting is European Storm Petrel. During the summer, both Common and Steller's Eiders can be seen while King Eider is more of a winter species in the area but keep a look out never the less. Common Coot is another rarity that has been seen, and though most European birders would not react to this species, it was of great interest for the few local birders that can be found in the region. Over 22 species of wader have been recorded at this tidal site. Some of them in good numbers during migration periods. Ringed Plover is amongst these, as is Red Knot with max counts of 150+. Little Stint can be a little more abundant with counts of 400 birds being made, while Curlew Sandpiper remains at the 150+ mark. Other max counts include 100+ Ruff and 300+ Bar-tailed Godwit. Some of the breeding waders include Eurasian Curlew, Common Redshank and Turnstone.  Gull numbers vary through the year and the flocks are always worth scanning. Little Gull has been recorded as has Black Tern. There is a large Arctic Tern colony in Løkhølmen. The fields, areas with vegetation and the shoreline are worth checking for passerines, with Bluethroat, Northern Wheatear and Snow Bunting being three species most likely to be seen. How to get there:  The area is easy to find. Situated on the main route E75 you can see the church from the road. A small road leads to down to the church where you can park your car. Varangerbotn Situated at the end of Meskfjorden with the the river Vesterer running out here, Varangerbotn is not unlike the tidal area at Nesseby in many ways. It is not as large, but still worth spending some time. Good numbers of Common Eider, Long-tailed Duck, Black Scoter and Goosander have been recorded. When it comes to waders, over 14 species have been seen with Bar-tailed Godwits being amongst the commonest during migration periods. Once again you will find areas of scrub willow, these are worth checking for passerines. How to get there:  Situated on route E75 near the junction at Varangerbotn is a tidal area with several advantage points depending on tide levels. This being the case, it is difficult to give good advice. The area can be overlooked from the road and there are a few paths down onto the tideline Click here for map

Nesseby

Little Stint  -  high counts have been made.

Bar-tailed Godwit are among the commonest waders.

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