Bird watching IN NORWAY

Morning mist over lake Vigdar 

Tekstboks: Situated in the south of the county, the small region of Sveio covering an area of 264 square kilometre is special in many ways. Here you will find a mixture of habitats from coastal, through farmland with areas of woodland. Through its rolling landscape there are many small lakes with areas of reeds. This reedbed habitat is indeed special, something that is reflected in the areas birdlife. But let us start on the coast. One of the easiest advantage points is the lighthouse at Ryvarden. From here you can look out to Sletta on your left, and the entrance to Bømlafjorden on your right. During May, small numbers of Red-throated Diver can be seen heading north. You may also see Black-throated Diver, though many pass by there are a few pairs that breed in the area. During periods with the right wind direction Fulmar and Northern Gannet  can be seen from here, though these species are commonest during the colder months. One species that is common all year round is the Common Eider, and also look out for Red-breasted Merganser. Such species as Long-tailed Duck, Common Scoter and Velvet Scoter can also be seen with numbers being best from autumn through spring. Always be on the look out for White-tailed Eagle. Wader numbers vary, with the best amount of species, and highest numbers being seen during the spring and autumn movements. Eurasian Oystercatcher is common along the Sveio coastline from about March. Other waders that can be seen are European Golden Plover, Northern Lapwing, Common Snipe, Eurasian Curlew and Common Redshank all which breed in the area. Other waders such as Grey Plover, Red Knot, Little Stint, Dunlin, Ruff and Greenshank are seen most years both at coastal sites, and inland wetland areas. Such species as Eurasian Woodcock and Common Sandpiper breed, and can be found in the right type of habitats.  From the rocky coastline, the habitat changes to more undulating. Here you will find small areas with coastal pine and small woodlands consisting of Silver Birch, Oak and Aspen. Both types of woodland are worth exploring with the pine woods in the east and north holding such species as Capercaillie. The Common Redstart sometimes breeds in the regions pinewoods, while Crested Tit, Common Crossbill and Parrot Crossbill can be seen. Areas of deciduous woods are always worth checking. Grey-headed Woodpecker is one of the commoner woodpeckers along with breeding Lesser-spotted Woodpecker. Otherwise both Black and Three-toed Woodpeckers have been seen, just proving that the area can produce the special bird. On this note however, it is the areas wetlands and lakes that have produced some of the more interesting county observations. Here there are several localities but Bjellandsvatnet, Mannavatnet, Rotatjorn wetland system and the north end of Vigdarvatnet are some of the better. Here you will find shallow lakes with areas of reed. Such species as European Wigeon, Common Teal and Mallard breed, while Gadwall, Garganey and Northern Shoveler can turn up during the spring migration. Though the lakes offer food for many of the wildfowl, it is the reeds that offer shelter. Fortunately it is not only waterfowl that use the areas of reedbeds, several other species can be found. Eurasian Marsh Harrier finds this habitat to its liking, though not common it has been recorded. Otherwise Sedge Warbler breed in the area, as may Reed Warbler. Great Reed Warbler on the other hand is a lot rarer species, but it has been seen. A late evening walk in May or early June is always worth doing. Listen out for calling Spotted Crake or Grasshopper Warbler or some well hidden rarity from the reedbeds at Sveio. How To Get There:  Lying on the borders of the counties of Hordaland and Rogaland, Sveio can be reached by road or boat from the major cities of Bergen, Stavanger and Haugesund. From Bergen follow route E39 via the island of Stord. From Haugesund you can follow route 47 from the town centre. From Stavanger the area can be reached once again by following route E39. To reach Ryvarden follow route 47 to Våge, here you join route 541. Follow this road towards Mølstre/Mølstrevåg. The Lighthouse is signposted. Both Bjellandsvatnet and Mannavatnet are situated about a hundred meters from each other, not farm from the centre of Sveio, on route 14. Vigdarvatnet is on the same route, but a few kilometers further to drive. To get to Rotatjørn drive along route E39 and head toward Kvalvåg. After a few kilometres you will come to Apeland and Dyno. Here you will find Rotatjørn wetland system comprising of Rotatjørn, Vardavatnet and Dynjetjørn. Click here for map.

Sveio

Eurasian Marsh Harrier,  though uncommon, find the reedbeds at Sveio to their liking.

Common Sandpiper  -  check freshwater habitat for this species.

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