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!

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