Birdwatching in Vestre Jakobselv
Vestre Jakobselv is a small village where the river Jakobselva runs out into the fjord Varangerfjorden. The river outlet is easily accessible, as it is located next to the main road. Here, you will find staging ducks, gulls, terns, and waders.
However, birdwatching in Vestre Jakobselv is not just about seabirds and wetland species. In this area, you’ll find interesting forest birds within a quite limited radius, and it is also suitable for photography. King Eider and Steller’s Eider are naturally among the most popular seabirds. Of the forest birds, these are worth mentioning: Northern Hawk-Owl, Three-toed Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Siberian Tit, Garden Warbler, and Hoary Redpoll. Generally speaking, there are also many birds of prey here.
A short trip east of Vestre Jakobselv, you will find agricultural land, and especially at spring, you will see Common Cranes and geese like Taiga Bean Goose and Greater White-fronted Goose.
Map over Vestre Jakobselv
Varanger Bird Park
A visit to Varanger is definitely worth the money. Paths, benches, a feeding place, a bird pond, a photo hide, among other things, creates a perfect environment for those who enjoy taking pictures. Here, you’ll have a unique chance of capturing meetings with rare passerines, Siberian Tit and Hoary Redpoll. You could also hit the target with many other passerines. And if it’s your day, you can even see Northern Hawk-Owl, Three-toed Woodpecker and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker during your visit. Additionally, the park provides accommodation. For more information, visit www.varanger.info.
Norway’s Densest Population of Red-throated Pipit
The vast moorlands north of the main road E75 between Bergebyelva to the west and Jakobselva to the east are also very exciting. Among other species, you’ll find what is probably Norway’s densest population of Red-throated Pipit. Also quite common in this area are species like Long-tailed Duck, Rough-legged Hawk, Bar-tailed Godwit, Red-necked Phalarope, Long-tailed Jaeger, and Lapland Longspur. The Taiga Bean-Goose uses this area for moulting late in the summer. And if you continue further north, you will reach Varangerhalvøya National Park.
… that Terek Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs, European Bee-eater, Eurasian Hoopoe, and Arctic Warbler all have been seen in Vestre Jakobselv?
… that the areas surrounding Vestre Jakobselv are the easiest places in Norway to get to see the Red-throated Pipit?
… that Purple Sandpiper is a common winter species in Vestre Jakobselv?
Bird Species Seen in the Area
Some of the Birds in the Area