Birdwatching in Longyearbyen and Adventdalen (Advent Valley)
A birdwatching trip to Svalbard does not necessarily have to be very far-reaching, because you will find most of the bird species in and around Longyearbyen and Adventdalen. On the northside of Longyearbyen, you will find the observation cabin “LoFF-huset” (the LoFF house), where you can enjoy a scenic view over the outer parts of the Advent delta.
A visit to Longyearbyen and Adventdalen is something you will never forget. The abundance of Arctic bird species is unique and probably not seen anywhere else, at least not to the same extent.
Map over Longyearbyen and Adventdalen
Rarities
In addition to the typical species mentioned further down on this page, the area has also been visited by Blue-winged Teal, Great Bittern, Great Egret, American Golden Plover, Baird’s Sandpiper, Solitary Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs, Bonaparte’s Gull, Franklin’s Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Black Tern, and Yellow-browed Warbler. And every now and then Pomarine Jaeger, Sabine’s Gull, Iceland Gull, or Pectoral Sandpiper are seen. Other bird species that are common elsewhere in Norway can also from time to time wind up here, for example thrushes, warblers, and passerines.
Mammals
If the variety of bird species in Longyearbyen and Adventdalen weren’t enough, you have the opportunity of getting to see the Arctic fox and polar bear or several whale and seal species. In other words, you are in for an amazing nature experience within a very feasible area.
NOTE: Svalbard has several specific rules and regulations you need to know about. Read more at www.sysselmannen.no/en.
… that the 26th of February 1997, at least 150,000 migrating Northern Fulmars was seen by Adventfjorden?
… that the Herring Gull is a rare bird in Longyearbyen and Adventfjorden, while there is a multitude of Glaucous Gulls?
… that the Pectoral Sandpiper is seen in Longyearbyen and Adventfjorden almost every year from mid-May through June?
Bird Species Seen in the Area
Landscape Pictures from Longyearbyen and Adventdalen
Some of the Birds Found in Longyearbyen and Adventfjorden
