It goes with out saying one does not travel 225 miles north of the Arctic Circle to Tromos, Norway in late winter, before the Spring migration starts for a good birding experience. Molly and I made this trip to enjoy the gorgeous stark Norwegian coast via Hurtigruten in winter and then to chase the Northern Lights (with some cross-country skiing during the day), but what the heck … when will I next be in Tromso?! Thus, two afternoons ago I grabbed the rent-a-car and spent some time birding. Although my knowledge of where to find birds in the Arctic is extremely limited, given the snow and cold found inland and at elevations, I figured one should stay right next the the coast (i.e. the Gulf Stream). In a little over 90 minutes (my time available) I got good views of:

• A white tailed eagle (being chased by a seagull)
• Common Eiders (two large flocks)
• Mallards (small flock)
• Magpies (about ten birds)
• A few ravens
• Plenty of gulls (I don’t know my gulls … sorry)

Here are a some images from my Arctic birding experience …

Vistas to give you an impression of the beauty of the coast line north of Tromso, Norway. In the latter two photos you can see the flocks of Common Eiders.

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Close-ups of the Common Eider flock

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Two magpies survey the situation

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Found one Common Eider eating … some kind of shellfish for which it dives.