Friday 14 June 2013

Finnmark 2013 day 1

I'm writing this as I lie in my sleeping bag in the car by the Varsngerfjord in Skallev. Even though it is close to 1am the sun is shining on the mountains on the southern side of the fjord and Arctic Terns (rødnebbtern)e) are flying around calling.

We have been birding continually since landing at 11am in Kirkenes. The undoubted highlight was finding the first Arctic Warbler (lappsanger) of the year in Norway and a lifer for me. It sang and eventually showed well by Neiden Church - a classic locality.

Other birds have included many Long-tailed (fjelljo) and Arctic Skuas (tyvjo) and Red-necked Phalarope (svømmesnipe) down to a couple of metres. White-tailed Eagles (havørn) have been common but the only other raptor has been a single Short-eared Owl (jordugle).
We have high expectations for tomorrow when we will be around Vardø.

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