This years trip to Finnmark started in the Pasvik Valley the last week of June, where nightly search for owls was the main focus. It was rewarded with a nice clutch of newly fledged Northern Hawk Owls.

The Pine Grosbeak is typical for the valley.

Not only birds to see on the nightly excursions

To our surprise we found a Swallowtail near Neiden. This beautiful butterfly is a rare visitor to Finnmark, but it seemed to be a small influx this summer.

Along the coast of the Varanger Peninsula, we found more rodent specialists, with among others breeding Rough-legged Buzzards and Long-tailed Skua.

A group of three Steelers Eide was a nice encounter.

Some typical species for the peninsula; Arctic Tern, Red-necked Phalarope, Red-throated Pipit and Arctic Redpoll.

A visit to Hornøya is always exciting; thousands of Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills and Shags, and one of the best places in mainland Norway to look for Brünnichs Guillemot.

A hike in the higher altitudes gave some nice encounters with Rock Ptarmigans