From the arboreal Finnish Lapland passerines to Arctic Norway’s seabirds and sea ducks, this exciting itinerary covers a truly unique range of species. Our Arctic adventure begins in Ivalo in northern Finland from where we continue northwards to the north-eastern coastal regions of Batsfjord and eventually, to Vardo and the island of Hornøya. 

This program is carefully designed and timed to capture the renowned beauty of winter in the frozen north and its iconic species and, to coincide with the return of Hornøya’s breeding seabirds, which best of all arrive to snow covered-cliff tops.  

• The headline acts & target species 

Heading the bill as this tours main target species/spectacles across this amazing week are; Pine Grosebeak, Siberian Tit and Siberian Jay; Arctic Redpoll, Hawk Owl; King and Steller’s Eider; seabirds on the snow, aurora borealis and, new to the itinerary for 2024, Mountain Hare.  

For inspiration, view our trip report and images from last year’s debut tour here, which not only included all the above but also some unexpected highlights such as White-tailed Eagle and Willow Grouse and more. 

Seabirds return from their wintering areas to Hornøya after mid-March. This is an excellent time for photography with lots of action. This is the most accessible seabird colony in Norway, but easily the most spectacular. During the breeding season the island is home to an estimated 80,000-100,000 seabirds during breeding season. Perhaps the most sought-after images here are of Atlantic Puffin, which perform at close proximity on snow, particularly on the lower slopes and foot of the cliffs. 

Common Guillemot is easily the most numerous breeder here, the swarms of thousands overhead, particularly when a potential predator soars above is a truly overwhelming spectacle. At certain places in the colony there are incredible opportunities to frame them at close proximity with the colony beyond as a backdrop.   

 The scarcer Brünnich’s Guillemots prefer the higher ledges of the cliffs but one can still create some great images, particularly in flight. Razorbills, European Shags here also offer unparallelled opportunities as like all their neighbours here, the largely tend to be extremely confiding though we take great care and consideration never to pressure the birds here, ensuring we do not put our images ahead of their welfare. Black-legged Kittiwakes are also found here whilst, if we can keep an eye on the skies overhead, Gyr Falcons and White-tailed Eagles patrol over the island regularly, causing panic among the thousands of alcids.  

Offering a wonderful contrast to birds of the sea, which is the main focus of this itinerary, we enjoy a morning session at forest feeders at Kaamanen, in Finnish Lapland. Passerines take full advantage of the very well stocked feeding stations here throughout the hard winter months.  

Pine Grosebeak is perhaps the most eye-catching of these however specialities such as Siberian Tit and Siberian Jay are also popular whilst Arctic and Common Redpoll are also found in good numbers here. Other species which may also put in an appearance here is Northern Bullfinch, Willow Tit and Lesser-spotted Woodpecker are also regular. With birds on authentic feeders, deep snow and snow-covered tree-branches the photographic opportunities here are excellent, often with birds down to just a few metres- even less from the café window where they are but inches away on the feeders and can be enjoyed with a coffee in hand! 

• The Highlands 

The Highlands of Varanger Peninsula is a harsh environment for any wildlife. Indeed, endless winds and exposure to elements mean a need for special adaptations for any inhabitants. Yet, the barren tundra can offer some superb photo-opportunities. Reindeer, Willow Grouse and Rock Ptarmigan can all be encountered here or even a rare glimpse of a Gyr Falcon or a soaring White-tailed Eagle. The vast and picturesque Arctic landscapes will also draw us to do the occasional picture stop.