Bird watching IN NORWAY

Grey Heron  -  a patient fisherman
Tekstboks: Covering an area of 558 square kilometres, the municipality of Masfjorden has a rich and varied nature stretching from sea level to the highest peaks at 1000 meter. Here you will find spectacular fjord scenery with steep wooded slopes and rich fertile valleys where deciduous woodlands thrive in the mild oceanic climate. Thanks to the climate, the area has a rich bird life throughout the year providing the visiting bird watcher with ample opportunities to watch the many species that can be found. From spring the first Red-throated Divers head inland from their coastal migration routes. Black-throated Diver can be seen as well, though this species is not as common. Grey Heron on the other hand is, and can be found both at fresh water localities as well as coastal sites. 190 Islands and islets can be found in the area, some of these are quite large and hold breeding populations of Greylag Geese. Mallard is resident all year round while Common Teal are migrant with an increase in numbers from the spring. On the fjord and other coastal localities, Common Eider, Common Goldeneye and Red-breasted Merganser can usually be found while both Tufted Duck and Common Scoter may be harder to find. As with other localities in the county, White-tailed Eagles are becoming an everyday sight, while Norway's other eagle, the Golden Eagle can also be seen from time to time. Other birds of prey that can be found include both Eurasian Sparrowhawk and Northern Goshawk. In years with good rodent numbers both Rough-legged Buzzard and Common Kestrel can be found, while Merlin, who are not dependent on rodent numbers, can be seen most years though numbers are never great. By spring both Black Grouse and Capercaillie are moving into the "lek" areas, though these can be difficult to find it is certainly worth the effort, though please remember, these species are easily disturbed. Waders on the other hand may be easier to find and watch. Eurasian Oystercatchers are one of the first birds to return in the spring, there shrilling call echoing along the fjord. Both Ringed Plover and Purple Sandpipers may also be found along the fjord, though both species soon head for higher habitat to breed. Farmland usually produces both Northern Lapwing and Eurasian Curlew while wetter areas can hold Common Snipe and Common Redshank. An evening walk during the spring can produce "roding" Eurasian Woodcock and by this time of the year Common Sandpiper should be found along the rivers and other suitable habitat. Lesser Black-backed Gulls and Arctic terns breed, with many of the colonies on nature reserves like Raunøy, Langøy, Skardholmen, Storholmen and Høgholmen. Please remember these are protected areas and all forms of disturbance are prohibited during the breeding season. Other seabirds that can be found include both Arctic Skua and Black Guillemot. Passerines are represented with most of the commoner woodland species. Five species of woodpecker have been found including White-backed and Lesser-spotted. Eurasian Wryneck has also been observed, but this species seems to be on the decline in many areas. As with the rest of the county, it is the Willow Warbler that is the commonest member of this group, though Icterine Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat and Wood Warbler have all been recorded. Leaving the woodlands and heading up into the mountains can produce such species as Northern Wheatear, Ring Ouzel, Bluethroat and Snow Bunting. Over a hundred species have been found in Masforden, so if you are looking for an area for some relaxing birding and great scenery give the area a visit. How To Get There:  Masfjorden is situated north in the county and borders onto Sogn and Fjordane. From Bergen you can follow route E39. The drive takes a little over an hour and you have to cross a toll bridge with a price of  kr. 40,- each way. Once at Masfjorden you can leave the main E39 and follow one of the many smaller roads that can be found in the district. One such road is from Andvika and up past Litlevatnet. Click here for map

Masfjorden

Golden Eagle have been recorded  -  so be on the look-out

By May Eurasian Wryneck will be calling

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