Leka is a prime location for birdwatching, thanks to the varied scenery of weathered coast, sheltered coves and cultivated fields - a habitat which is reflected in the birdlife found here.

Leka is a prime location for birdwatching, thanks to the varied scenery of weathered coast, sheltered coves and cultivated fields - a habitat which is reflected in the birdlife found here.

Sea eagles nest and spend the winter here, with a large number on the western side of the island in particular, where sightings are common. In the winter, the sea eagle competes with the golden eagle and gyrfalcon for its food, and during the migration periods of spring and autumn, the peregrine falcon, goshawk and wading birds are just some of the many species to be seen here.

The Skeisneset nature reserve on the northern end of the island is regarded as resting area of national importance for wading birds and during the migration periods, there are large numbers of arctic waders, particularly dunlin, little stint, curlew sandpiper and bar-tailed godwit to be found here Skeisneset is also the nesting ground for dunling and red-necked phalarope. Other common nesting birds on Leka include the black grouse, the males of which take up their favourite places from early April to late May to court the females with their mating display, and Leka is one of the few places where you can watch this theatre of nature from your car.

From the western side of the island there is a panoramic view over the sea, and on good autumn days with western winds, vast numbers of migrating birds can be seen from the island. Black-throated divers, great northern divers and white-billed divers are plentiful, and auks such as the guillemot are usually here all year round. Great northern divers and white-billed divers also winter here, usually with around 5 individuals of each species.

With its position as the last outpost before the Atlantic, Leka has also proven to be a good place to catch sight of rare birds during the autumn. Eastern birds such as the citrine wagtail, desert wheatear, yellow-browed warbler, rose-coloured starling and two-barred crossbill have all been seen - despite the scarcity of ornithologists!