birdscan » Page 14 of 50

For many birders, the dream of visiting Svalbard. remains just that, a dream. However the lucky birdwatchers who make it to this arctic paradise can experience shear numbers of birds and the awesome scenery of this polar habitat. It makes a visit to Svalbard a lifetimes experience. The group of islands that make up Svalbard archipelago covers an area of about 400x400 km, of this, 60 present of the islands are covered by ice. Svalbards unique nature has long been studied, and it soon became clear that it was vulnerable and sensitive, and only small minor disturbances can have a long term effect on the habitat. It is not without reason that a large part of Svalbard is protected in one form or another. A trip to Svalbard takes a lot of planning, and it may be advisable to join a group, and use a specialized tour company. But back to the birds, or should I say the millions of birds. Despite the huge numbers, the amount of species to be found is not high. In fact only about thirty species breed most years. But who cares when you can see thousands of Common Guillemot, Brunnich's Guillemot and Little Auk. The combined sight, sound and smell contribute to one of natures spectacular experiences. Away from the seabird colonies, it may be wise to stay near roads and well marked paths. Even so take care, weather conditions can soon change even in the middle of summer. There is always a risk of meeting a Polar Bear "face to face". Though rare on the west side of the island, they can turn up. If you are thinking of birding away from the beaten track, hire a gun in Longyearbyen, learn how to use it, and take it with you. Birding around Longyearbynen and Ny Alesund provides most of the sought after species, with only Sabine's Gull being more elusive, and requiring more effort, and travel to find. On your arrival at Longyearbyen, you will soon realize that you are in the arctic with Snow Buntings hopping around the streets instead of House Sparrows. You don't even have to walk far for the "Svalbard" Ptarmigan.