Page 63 - 2003 SVALBARD, NORWAY

As we hiked on, soon almost catching up with the “long” walkers,
we saw three more reindeer, much closer up this time. It

appeared to be a male, a female and this year’s baby. All were
peacefully grazing on a low hillside, with the female looking

particularly plump. However, because of the time of year, we
figured she couldn’t be pregnant. The creatures are short-legged,
stout-bodied, shaggy and small-antlered. According to the

naturalists, this Svalbard herd is healthy and self-sustaining as
well.

A few Snow Buntings appeared in front of us quite closely so we

could see these pretty songbirds of the north. Like most creatures
in the Arctic they are black and white - the best disguise for

camouflage. Soon we also saw a purple sandpiper, a small shore
wading bird who is the bravest one of his kind - he lives the year
round in Svalbard. He is different also in that he is not of the usual