Birds of Porsangerfjorden, Arctic Circle

Porsangerfjorden, in northern Norway, is a fjord stretching about 76 miles (124km) inland from the Barents Sea.  Recognised as an important Bird Area by Birdlife International, the fjord’s varied coastal and terrestrial habitats are crucial for many bird species, especially those that are rare or endangered.

One such bird is the vulnerable lesser white-fronted goose which uses the fjord for breeding and feeding.  

The fjord is also a key stop for long-distance migrants like the bar-tailed godwit which can travel up to 18,000mi (29,000km) relying on fat reserves to fuel its flight.

The rocky shorelines of Porsangerfjorden are ideal for the purple sandpiper, a small shorebird that breeds in these Arctic regions.  Its eggs are an interesting olive colour, with brown blotches on the bottom half.  The sandpiper generally winters along the Atlantic Coast, although some will winter in Scotland and Ireland.

Another notable resident is the vulnerable long-tailed duck.  The male has an elegant long tail, almost like a quilt, that sways in the wind and can reach lengths of up to 6in (15cm).  Its dark grey bill is crossed with a pale pink band. Primarily migrating to the Baltic Sea, they also head to the Great Lakes in North America as well as other lesser locations.

The red knot is another long-distance flyer, migrating to the tip of South America from spring to autumn before returning to the Arctic.  Prior to migrating, they undergo physical changes, such as strengthening flight muscles and shrinking leg muscles.  Their stomach and gizzard (muscle that grinds food) also shrink, while their fat stores increase by over 50%.  By the time they arrive at their stopover spots, the birds have used up much of their fat stores for fuel and begin to look pretty thin.