Photography & Digital Art,AnimalsJUL 25, 2022

Birds Of The Arctic: Exotic Birds And Seabirds I Captured On My Trip To The Arctic Ocean (30 Pics)

196

I've always been fond of birds, but picking up wildlife photography gave this passion an entirely new dimension. Now I'm planning my trips for bird watching and taking pictures. That includes trying to find places where I can not only see all types of birds but also create spectacular images.

I come from France, but I fell in love with Finland while studying here. I've lived in Helsinki for 1.5 years now, and I've enjoyed several trips to the far North, to Lapland and beyond it, Norway, and the Arctic Ocean.

In winter, these cold regions host a surprising variety of rare birds, coming in all shapes and colors. That's what I want to show you.

The first habitat you'll encounter is the taiga, i.e., the forest. There, you'll essentially find small songbirds, though if you're lucky, you may encounter a grouse or an owl. Small birds come to the feeders, and that's where you have the best chances to see them and take pictures.

The most prized birds for birders are the Pine grosbeak (a red monster, though the female is green-yellow), the Siberian tit (a cousin to the very common Blue and Great tits, but which lives only far in the north), the Arctic redpoll (very white, though difficult to separate from the Common redpoll), the Bohemian waxwing (a berry-eater gangster) and the Siberian jay (a lovely fella, very curious, and may come to your hand if you offer some food).

More info: eiwawar.wordpress.com | Instagram

#1 The Striking King Eider

79points

Apart from birds, you may meet such arctic animals as squirrels and elks (moose), and also enjoy stunning sunsets and wonderful aurora displays. If you go further north, you'll cross the tundra, a treeless heath that essentially devoid of visible life during winter (you'll see "a bit" of snow though), and then you'll reach the Arctic Ocean. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the Norwegian coast doesn't really freeze during winter, and lots of birds enjoy that.

Two special species of ocean birds attract visitors: King eider and Steller's eider. They both breed in the far north of Russia but spend the winter months in milder places. They are also stunning, colorful birds with weird shapes and patterns painted on their bodies. They are a true treat to observe and can be seen at close range in harbors like Båtsfjord. Often not far, Black-legged kittiwakes nest on cliffs but also on harbor buildings, occupying roofs and window ledges.

In special areas, usually remote cliffs and islands, alcids nest. These cute and clumsy birds, made for diving rather than flying or worse, walking, gather in huge colonies. Their sheer number is offering protection against predators; in Hornøya, 100,000 seabirds nest in the cliff. There you'll see kittiwakes again, but also Common guillemots (including many of the bridled form), the rarer Brünnich's guillemot (this one likes the steepest parts of the cliff), the European shag and the ultimate clown, the lovely Atlantic puffin.

In the Arctic regions, you'll face unforgiving conditions, with snow, wind, and low temperatures, but if you are well equipped, you will witness a show like no other. These pictures were made during two different trips.

#2 The Bohemian Waxwing, Gangster Of The North

69points

In the north of Europe, it's quite common to feed birds in winter, with the idea of helping them survive the harsh weather conditions. Many of these pictures were thus taken at a feeder, as it's one of the most reliable ways to find birds in that period. However, I took these pictures a while ago: nowadays, I prefer to avoid feeders, as they are not a very natural way to experience nature, and it's more rewarding to explore and find my own birds, even if it's a lot more difficult.

The sea ducks were photographed from floating platforms set up in Båtsfjord Harbour, which allowed for great close up views. They were fed frozen fish and urchins.

#3 The Prince Of The Woods, The Bright Pine Grosbeak

60points

#4 The Bullfinch Is Another Very Colourful Bird

58points

In 2017, I was just a newbie taking pictures of birds. In 2022, I'm now a professional who crafts images to tell stories. In the current climate and biodiversity emergency, I strive to picture wildlife, and birds in particular, in a way that makes people realize how precious they are, and how much protection and respect they deserve. My goal is to have my work published in various places so that it reaches audiences around the world.

In addition, I am a photography tour leader with a strong focus on Central Asia. I'm looking forward to welcoming more guests to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and other mysterious places, and showing them the wonders of those less-traveled lands. I'm also a writer and a speaker, and I love sharing my passion for wildlife photography through private workshops and online coaching sessions.

#5 Steller's Eider Is My New Favourite Bird! Look At These Colours, At This Small Piece Of Broccoli At The Back Of The Head... Amazing!

57points

I don't think much about my style, I think it evolves naturally under the influence of both my own photography practice and the art I see others create. The industry is quite saturated though, so it's tough to get attention for my work. I'll keep trying, because I believe in what I do, and I want the world to care about nature before it's too late.