Birds at Ekkerøy

Ekkerøy is one of the oldest fishing villages along the Varangerfjord and also one of its best birding sites. The village is connected to the mainland by a causeway with inner and outer bays, which are excellent for birding. On the north side of the road you will find another wind shelter, which gives you a great views of the outer bay. It is a fantastic place to see waders and occasionally lekking Ruff as well as huge flocks of Red Knots in the late spring. In winter the east / outer bay is a premium site for King-, Common- and Steller´s Eiders. Generally the sheltered bay attracts both seaducks and divers in all seasons.

Ekkerøy also has a 50 metre high bird cliff which has one of the largest colonies of Kittiwakes in Varanger. 20,000 thousand pairs breed here, creating nests out of mud and grass. White-tailed Eagles and Gyrfalcons make regular visits to the cliff, attracted by the thousands of Kittiwakes. The fields to the north of the island are a good place to observe a large variety of passerines such as Meadow Pipit, Red-throated Pipit, Shore Lark, Lapland Bunting and Snow Bunting, depending on the season. Ekkerøy has several high quality accommodation options, which are a short walk from the impressive bird cliff and the other birding sites.