King Eider at Vardo

Vardø, Norway's easternmost town on the remote Varanger Peninsula, is one of the most reliable places in Europe to photograph the striking King Eider, alongside other Arctic seabirds such as Steller's Eider. Visiting photographers on the Winter Wildlife of Arctic Varanger tour typically find these birds gathered in the harbour waters, offering a rare chance to work close to shore rather than from a boat. April is the recommended month to visit, with the cold Arctic light adding real atmosphere to images of the eider's distinctive colouring. Patience & appropriate cold-weather clothing are well rewarded here, given Vardø's exposed position on this far northern coastline.