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

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.

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.

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.

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.