After the icy starkness of the high Arctic it was a pleasure to cruise along the lush, verdant cliffs of Fugloya, an island in the far north of Norway. With the sun shining and an absence of wind we were treated to conditions of warmth that eased us back into the land of people. The steep slopes of this island are covered with wildflowers and puffins and many of the latter were seen zinging low overhead as they headed out to sea. Several species of gulls were also present and all of these birds are potential prey for the magnificent white-tailed eagles that make this island their home. We watched as many as 6 of these huge raptors soaring across the face of the cliffs, gliding on rising air currents and hunting seabirds.