Every year, Båtsfjord, the largest fishing village in the northernmost county of Norway, Finnmark, is visited by birdwatchers from all over the world. Instead of searching for popular species in Alaska, Northern Canada, and Siberia, they’ll find the same species in and around Båtsfjord. This also provides good business opportunities, so this place is well suited for birdwatchers with its photo hides, accommodation, as well as bird safaris.
| Point | |
| 1 | Båtsfjord harbour, Teinskjæret |
| 2 | Båtsfjord harbour, Neptunbukta |
| 3 | Liholmen |
| 4 | Perelva river outlet |
| 5 | Straumsnesvatnet |
Birds in Båtsfjord
Finding exciting birds in Båtsfjord is an easy matter. King Eider, Steller’s Eider, Common Eider, Long-tailed Duck and other ducks come all the way in to the quay. Glaucous Gulls and Iceland Gulls are common sights here as well, especially at winter time. Black-legged Kittiwake breed on many of the buildings in the area. These birds are really loud and contributes a lot to the nice harbour atmosphere. Additionally, you might also get to see many typical auks and seabirds as well as many exciting waders in the area surrounding Båtsfjord.
The tiny lake Straumsnesvatnet is also worth checking out when it’s not frozen, as it oftentimes attracts many ducks. We would also recommend a visit to the beautiful sallow forest where the river Båtsfjordelva runs out into Straumsnesvatnet. Since forests are scarce in the area, passerines tend to gather in this willow covered terrain. Among these are typically Bluethroat, Hoary Redpoll, and Brambling. And if it’s your day, you may even get to see a rarity here.
Syltefjordstauran
Consider combining your visit to Båtsfjord with a trip to Syltefjordstauran, which is located along the northwest side of Syltefjord.
This is a bird cliff that is approximately 200 meters high. Getting there is easy by means of organized boat trips from Båtsfjord and Syltefjord. Alternatively, a strenuous hike through the cabin area in Syltefjord will get you there, but not before many hours, including the challenges of vast rocky mountain areas.
Syltefjordstauran holds the record of having the world’s northernmost Northern Gannet colony. Other breeding species include Black-legged Kittiwake, Common Murre, Thick-billed Murre, and Razorbill. The chances of seeing Black Guillemot and Atlantic Puffin here are also quite good. Hunting White-tailed Eagle can be seen around the bird cliff, and the really fortunate birdwatcher may even get to see a Gyrfalcon scouting for prey.
| Description: | |
| Biotope: | Coastal and harbour environment. Bird cliffs near Syltefjordstauran. |
| Best time to visit: | Late winter and early spring for King Eider and Steller’s Eider. Spring and early summer for a combined trip to Syltefjordstauran. |
| Bird towers: | 1 public bird hide + 1 private bird hide. |
| Terrain: | Depends on your choices. |
| Local association: | Varanger NOF |
| Equipment: | |
| Shoes: | Hiking or training shoes. |
| Food: | Not necessary, unless you’re on a safari or out in the terrain. |
| Clothes: | Casual clothes or hiking wear. |
| Binoculars: | Recommended. |
| Telescope: | Not necessary but recommended. |
Birdingbed cooperates with long-time experienced guides in customizing personalized birdwatching experiences like…
For guided excursions in this area, contact Anders Faugstad Mæland through the web page Birdwatching Norway
…that Båtsfjord is one of the easiest places in the world to take photographs of King Eider and Steller’s Eider?
…that Stork, Egyptian Vulture, Mediterranean Gull, Eurasian Hoopoe, and Red-rumped Swallow have all been seen in Båtsfjord?
…that Syltefjordstauran is one of the few bird cliffs in Norway where Thick-billed Murre breeds?
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