Slettnes lighthouse is the northernmost
mainland lighthouse in the world! Most birders associate Arctic
Norway with the Varanger Peninsula, but there is a little known
peninsula between Varanger and North Cape, named Nordkyn. The
northen tip of Nordkyn, Slettnes, is more than just a great
seawatching spot. It is a nature reserve since 1995 and every
summer researchers from Europe visit the area doing studies
on waders, ducks, Arctic Terns and Arctic Skuas. This relative
small area hold a large breeding population of Arctic Skuas
(approximately 200 pairs), Arctic Tern (1200 pairs), Red-throated
Pipit (60), Wheatear (50), Snow and Lapland Bunting (100 pairs
respectively), not to mention all the wader and duck species!
A visit at Slettnes in May or June will probably stay in your
mind for a long time, if not for ever!
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Slettnes
Bird News 2008
»
Miscellaneous photos – 21/5
» Birding diary –
20/5
»
White-billed Diver photos –
20/5
»
Seawatch totals – 19/5
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Seawatching
in May 2008
During 9 and 19th May 2008 we were two Swedish seawatching parties
that study the eastbound spring migration of seabirds, especially
skuas and divers. The results from our visit and counts can
be viewed above. The new photo and video gallery will be launched
in June along with full text sections! |
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Peak
dates for Pomarine Skuas
18th May 1999: 1347 passing east
18th May 2004: 1232 passing east
17th May 1998: 1000 passing east
14th May 2002: 669 passing east
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Spring migrating Poms.
Photo: Mark Darlaston, May 2006. |
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