Endre Harvold Kvangraven Shares Birding Tips, Reading Suggestions, and Inspiration for Future Residents in Our ‘Residents Recommends’ Series
Red-throated Loon adult and chick by the dog kennels in Longyearbyen (2024), Photo: Endre Harvold Kvangraven
Artica Svalbard is delighted to feature insights from Endre Harvold Kvangraven in our ‘Residents Recommends’ series. Endre joined us as our writer in residence from July to September 2024, nominated by the Norsk faglitterær forfatter- og oversetterforening. A writer, researcher, and wildlife enthusiast, Endre holds a PhD from the University of Stavanger, where he explored the relationships between humans and birds in contemporary Scandinavian literature. His work delves into themes of ornithological practice, identification, and care, and he is the author of Ulv i det norske kulturlandskapet (Res Publica, 2021), a literary nonfiction work on the cultural history of wolves in Norway.
During his time in Svalbard, Endre embraced the Arctic landscape, transforming what he thought would be a writing retreat into a rich fieldwork experience. He immersed himself in observing birdlife under the midnight sun, from breeding season to the southward migration of several bird pairs he followed through summer into fall. His residency also included engaging with the local community through a lunchtime lecture, Fugler i nyere norsk litteratur, at the Longyearbyen Literature Festival.
The ‘Residents Recommends’ series is designed to share the unique experiences and advice of past Artica residents, offering inspiration and practical guidance to future artists, writers, and researchers. Through these articles, residents share tips on exploring Svalbard, recommended readings, and music or cultural suggestions that complement their experiences. Endre’s contribution offers advice on birdwatching hotspots, reading resources, and even music that captures the atmosphere of Svalbard.
Read Endre’s full reflections and recommendations here and discover more about making the most of your time in Svalbard.
Puple Sandpipers (2024), Photo: Endre Harvold Kvangraven