SPITSBERGEN TOUR REPORT - Birdquest

Atlantic Puffin Fratercula arctica: This much-loved harlequin of a bird was seen well on a number of
occasions at sea, both in flight and on the water. The total breeding population in
Spitsbergen is thought to be in the range 10,000-100,000 pairs.
TURDIDAE
Common Blackbird Turdus merula: A male was found by Alan at the Husky kennels in Ny Ålesund
and was later observed by many of us, while we were admiring our first Ivory Gull. The
well-known Common Blackbird is a vagrant to Spitsbergen. There are only a few
documented observations.
EMBERIZIDAE
Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis: The only breeding passerine in the islands, but common,
conspicuous and always a delight to behold. Its cheerful little song was to be heard at
almost all of our landing sites, and even from the cliffs at Alkefjellet in Hinlopen Strait.
MAMMALS
Arctic Fox Alopex lagopus: Encountered on a couple of occasions, but usually rather wary. We saw
one at Blomstrandhalvøya and enjoyed prolonged views of a female with seven pups in
the middle of Ny Ålesund. This attractive little fox is still hunted in Spitsbergen.
Polar Bear Thalarctos maritimus: The obvious highlight of the tour and probably the main reason for
most of us to visit the spectacular Spitsbergen archipelago. We had three encounters with
this most powerful arctic predator, all on the day when we were exploring the pack ice to
the north of the islands. Our first was spotted while walking on the ice in the distance,
and by careful manoeuvring of the ship we managed to keep it in sight for twenty
minutes. The second animal was found at much closer range and stunned us all by
coming towards the ship and allowing fantastic views while swimming and inspecting us.
When it finally realized we were a bit out of its league it walked away slowly over the
pack ice. Another animal was found in the distance at the same time. Good photos were
obtained and everyone was in high spirits after this magical experience. Polar Bears used
to be hunted in Spitsbergen. There is the amazing record of hunter Arthur Oxaas who
shot 373 Polar Bears in 30 years in the middle of the 20 th century.
Walrus Odobenus rosmarus: The first of the trip was a swimming individual at Alkefjellet. We then
saw two at sea off Moffen Island, but our best encounter was at Poolepynten on Prins
Karls Forland where we were able to admire, observe and photograph a group of about
30 impressive animals on the beach or in the water at fairly close range. All were males,
as indeed are all the Walruses in Spitsbergen at this time of year, as the female go
elsewhere to give birth to their calves.
Ringed Seal Phoca hispida: We only saw a small number of these wary animals at the edge of the
pack ice.
Bearded Seal Erignathus barbatus: Thirteen encounters with this large sausage with whiskers.
Northern Minke Whale Balaenoptera acutorostrata: Three observations of this small, but distinctive
whale. This is the commonest baleen whale in the waters around Spitsbergen, but still
rather uncommon.
Humpback Whale Megaptera novaeangliae: Great views of a frequently breaching animal at the
Walrus spot on Prins Karls Forland. The long flippers could easily be discerned. A great
showing.
Beluga (White Whale) Delphinapterus leucas: Late at night, John found a pod of ten or so as we were
sailing out of the Hinlopen Strait and some of us still managed to get distant views of
these attractive whales. We also saw one while observing the Walruses on Prins Karls
Forland.
Reindeer (Caribou) Delphinapterus leucas: Encountered wherever there were large areas of snow-free
tundra, generally in ones and twos, but occasionally in scattered groups of ten or more.
8 Birdquest: Spitsbergen 2007