Bird watching IN NORWAY

Rough-legged Buzzard  - Its good to stretch.
Tekstboks: Situated on the main east-west E134 route, the small mountain hamlet of Røldal provides a great base camp to explore the surrounding lakes, woodlands and mountains. Lying in a mountainous area, Røldal has its fare share of snow during the winter months, and spring can come later than lower down in the valley. Having said this, experiencing spring, while the snow is still melting in the fields gives some great opportunities for birding with open patches of ground becoming a magnet for many species. Both European Golden Plover, Northern Lapwing and Common Snipe find this habitat to their liking, the melting snow making the top layer of earth, soft for their probing bills. Meadow pipit, White Wagtail and the colourful Northern Wheatear could also be present, looking for insects or seeds. As the days go by, new species will appear. This is a great time to look for Ring Ouzel, stopping on its way to its breeding grounds higher in the mountains. If the Ring Ouzel is present, it won't be alone, other members of the thrush family such as Fieldfare, Song Thrush and Redwing will also be present. Spring also brings with it flocks of Common Chaffinch and Brambling.  By late spring, the ice on Røldalsvatnet will have melted as several new species will be in the area. Common Teal and Mallard can be found, preferring the shores of the lake, while further out in deeper water Tufted Duck and Common Goldeneye can be found. Red-breasted Mergansers can also be seen, and during spring displaying males can be seen, often in small flocks with 3 or 4 males, and one female. Always be on the look out for Red-throated Diver, Greater Scaup and Velvet Scoter. Though uncommon, these species prefer to breed on lakes higher in the mountains, and may be seen both during the spring and autumn movements. Moving away from wildfowl, waders such as Common Redshank and Common Sandpiper breed around the lake. Also watch out for White-throated Dipper, both on the lake, and along the streams that run into it. The farmlands and the woodlands that border Røldalsvatnet provide food and shelter for a host of species. A good walk that follows the lake, and takes you through the different habitats is from Berge - through Grytøyr - Bratteteig and onto Odland with the mighty Odlandsnosi at 1476 moh, towering in the background. Here you will find both deciduous and coniferous woodland, both holding specialized species. One of the most specialized is Parrot Crossbill, this species depends on a good pinecone harvest, and numbers can vary. Goldcrest and Siskin are another two species that can be found in the pinewoods, though the later is just as happy feeding on Birch Tree seeds. In areas of deciduous woods look out for Grey-headed Woodpecker, this species often prefers higher areas than its "lowland" cousin the Green Woodpecker. By late spring - early summer most of the migrants will have settled down into their breeding season. Tree Pipits can be seen "parachuting" from the air, and landing on the top of the chosen tree, while Blackcap stays well hidden while singing. Both Willow Warbler and Common Chiffchaff can be found as can Spotted and Pied Flycatchers. Members of the Tit family should be abundant, especially Blue and Great Tits, though keep a look out for other members such as Willow and Coal. Another species that can be encountered is European Nuthatch, is seen, take a good look, it is the Scandinavian subspecies and a lot lighter in colour. Members of the finch family can also be seen. Greenfinch, Twite and Common Redpoll will be amongst the most likely to be found.  And finally the mountains. Once again Røldal offers a good selection of marked paths that one can follow. As with most mountain habitats, snow conditions during the spring, and weather conditions during early summer play an important part in deciding which species will have a successful breeding season. Some species however can always be found. Two of these are Willow Grouse and Common Raven. Other species such as Rough-legged Buzzard and Common Kestrel are more dependent on rodent numbers, while the "King" of all birds of prey the Golden Eagle can be seen from time to time. By summer the European Golden Plovers that were resting in the lowland areas are now in prime breeding plumage, their lonesome call drifting over the mountains. In areas with sparse vegetation look out for Bluethroat, the males, a sight for sore eyes in their breeding plumage. The mountains around Røldal can produce the unexpected. Hawk Owl has been recorded on a few occasions, though mostly during late autumn and winter. And lastly, Lapland Longspur and Snow Bunting. Both species can be found in high mountain habitat - something that there is plenty of around Røldal. How To Get There: Røldal can be reached from Bergen by driving the "tourist route" from Bergen to Odda then following route 13 until it connects with route E134. From the east you follow the same route. The area can also be reached from the neighbouring county of Rogaland by following  routes 520 from Sauda or route 13 from Suldal. Click here for map Odda  -  An Area Of Contrasts Surrounded by high mountains, that drop into the depths of the fjord, Odda and the surrounding area of Tyssedal are worth exploring. The wooded mountain slopes  provide food and shelter for a good selection of the common, and not so common species. The many streams that run down the mountain sides are the home of the Norwegian national bird, the White throated Dipper, this species can be seen all year round, even when the streams are frozen, this hardy little bird will find an opening in the ice. Though the streams and waterfalls are impressive, it is the woodlands that will interest the visiting birder, and maybe one species above all others the White-backed Woodpecker. Though this species is regarded as endangered, and numbers in Europe are on the decline, the woodlands around Odda have a healthy population. Other species of woodpecker that can be seen include Great and Lesser-spotted Woodpecker. With the return of spring the Tree Pipit can be seen, and heard, its call, characteristic to woodlands in western Norway. For those willing to follow the woodland paths to higher areas of the mountains, such species as Northern Wheatear and Ring Ouzel could be added to the days bird watching list. For those however that are not willing to climb, then a visit to Sandvin during the spring could produce the same species. Sandvin is worth a visit at any time of the year. Situated at the end of lake Sandvin, the area consist of shallow bays, sandy islands and farmland. The combination of these types of habitat are uncommon in the Odda area, thus providing the local bird life with some great habitat. Black-throated Diver care seen from time to time with most observations during the spring movements. Mallard and Common Goldeneye  are resident in varying numbers, while such species as Eurasian Wigeon, Common Teal are spring migrants. Another spring migrant is the Northern Lapwing, this species is without doubt the commonest wader in the area. Other species of waders such as Common Redshank and Common Sandpiper also breed. Spring and autumn wader movements vary but there is always a chance of seeing European Golden Plover, Greenshank and Green Sandpiper. The surrounding farmland attracts such species as Meadow Pipit,  Hedge Accentor, Whinchat, Redwing and Willow Warbler from spring onwards. Nutcracker is seen most years, mostly during the autumn when the species is collecting food for the winter. 160 species have been recorded at Sandvin. Though most of them are the commoner Scandinavian species the unexpected has turned up with White-throated Robin. This still remains the only sighting for Norway. How To Get There:  To get to Digrenes, follow route 550 from Odda towards Utne. Look out for the sign saying "ornitologisk stasjon" and the steep road up to the old school building. The nature trail starts behind the school and is well marked. To get to Sandvin, follow route 13 out of Odda, driving along lake Sandvin. At the end of the lake you will find a bridge and some houses. There is a place to park beside the main road. On crossing the bridge, you can follow the paths that lead through the area. Please stick to the paths.  Click here for map

Odda

Willow Grouse   -  a typical mountain species

Canada Goose  - a species that thrives at Sandvin

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Tekstboks: N B R Tekstboks: Bird And Drive Tekstboks: Odda is on the Norwegian Birding Route. Click here for more information

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