The Lapland spring is a hectic time for migrators

The Lapland spring

The Lapland spring is really a hectic time for all kinds of living creatures. Numerous species of birds are migrating from many corners of the world. You see them in large quantities on marshlands, along the fiords and coasts - and even in peoples' gardens. You see all these birds and hear their different "languages". All trying to find mates. Time is short.

Many birding groups visit the marshlands of Finnish and Swedish Lapland as well as the fiords of Norwegian Lapland. The Varanger fiord and the Tanamunningen Nature Reserve are famous bird watching places. Many kinds of eiders and ducks often come into the coastal harbours. This gives you good opportunities to view and photograph them at close range. Also gyrfalcons (falco rusticolus) and white-tailed eagles are back to protect their territories. We saw these herons on the marshlands a little north of Karesuvanto in Finnish Lapland, just on the Swedish border. (Photo: Olav E. Johansen)

Most of Europe's population of Steller's Eider gather in the Varanger Fiord and around the Norwegian Lapland coast. They can be seen together with a large numbers of the beautiful King Eider, as well as the Common Eider and Long-tailed Duck. Here you find a unique assembly of birds.

Lapland spring starts from middle of April. You'll have plenty of time for observation as the days are getting really long. From the beginning of May there is light enough to stay outside all night if you wish so. And remember that from around the middle of May the sun doesn't set at all!

In the northern parts of Finnish Lapland it is possible to see for instance Pine Grosbeaks, Siberian Jay, Siberian and Willow Tits and Arctic Redpoll.

At the Tana River delta you may spot the beautiful gyrfalcon (falco rusticolus). Here is a traditional breeding site for the gyrfalcon, which is one of the most powerful of the world's falcons.

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