20
The timing of the holiday, early July, was
calculated to be the best for the maximum
number of flowers in bloom and obviously well
chosen. The only exceptions seen were Alpine
Saw-wort (Saussurea alpina), not quite out,
and Arctic Poppy (Papaver radicatum) of which
there was a specimen near the Fjellstue which
we kept an eye on, but it didn't quite make it
by the time we left.
We were told that there are two populations of
wild reindeer in the area, one each side of the
highway and also a herd of Musk-oxen. A couple
of the party claimed sightings. Musk-oxen
were introduced many years ago and are
dangerous to approach. Public warnings of
this are given on notices by pathways leading
to the hillsides stating 'the world has enough
close-up photographs of musk—ox'.
The National Park is supposed to be good for
birds, but perhaps we were there are the wrong
time of year. I, at least, did not see many,
but botanising and bird watching do not mix
well. On the high tops I only saw Snow Bunting
and Golden Plover, but it was a 'first' to see
their breeding plumage. Elsewhere, and mainly
near the Fjellstue, were Fieldfare, Pied
Wagtail, Willow Warbler, Bluethroat. House
Martin, Siskin and Redwing. We all had a
distant view of a raptor, thought to be a
Golden Eagle.
OWEN KEEN