Kristiansund, Norway

Tuesday 4 July

Our penultimate destination Norway, the lovely small town of Kristiansund.  One of the first off the ship when it docked at 8am meant that we could be on the free island-hopping ferry to visit the other three parts of this lovely, ancient town.  We called and alighted at the three docking stations to explore what was on offer before returning to the main town where the ship was moored, a journey of just 18 minutes had we stayed aboard the ferry.  And our reward?  Lots of nesting, resting and flying Kittiwakes.

Kittiwakes Rissa tridactyla at nest site

We had already had a visit from one of the local Common Gulls in search of food on the deck and were to see more from the above ferry.  

Common Gull Larus canus

Once back it was an exploration of the old town then the top of the hill to climb the observation tower giving fabulous views of the surrounding area before walking on down the the park with its three lakes.  Here we found both Common and Herring Gull along with almost a score of Mallards.

Herring Gull Larus argentatus

Amongst the trees a noisy Magpie plus a couple of Blackbirds, then a Great Tit, Wren and a few singing Chiffchaffs.  House Sparrows in the town along with a number of Feral Pigeons but as the ship sailed away a Hooded Crow crossed on front of the bow quickly followed by a pair of Oystercatchers.  And, of course, a few Common Gulls and Kittiwakes to see us on our way just after 3pm.

Kittiwakes Rissa tridactyla

Birds seen:

Mallard, Oystercatcher, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Kittiwake, Rock Dove, Wren, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Great Tit, Magpie, Hooded Crow. House Sparrow.

Herring Gull Larus argentatus

More Kittiwakes Rissa tridactyla

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