North Cape Nirvana Birding

For the first time in my life I took a paid birding tour, and it was worth every penny. Our Hurtigruten ship docked in Honningsvag this morning near the North Cape (northern most point in Norway). By smaller boat we travelled to three small islands leaving from the small fishing village of Gjesvaer. Oh my was it a fantastic trip. I saw hundreds and hundreds of puffins, an equal number of Northern Gannets, and perhaps 100 Sea Eagles (White-Tailed Eagles). With all nesting birds, these raptors have easy pickings for food.

One comment, it is very, very difficult to photograph bobbing birds sitting on top of the water, while standing in a ship plowing through waves with imperfect light! My birding trip was on BirdSafari.Com, and they did an excellent job. Although I did not need any extras, for unprepared folks they had “snowmobile like suits” for warmth, and lots of extra binoculars.

Atlantic Puffins