os

Bird watching IN NORWAY

Long-tailed Duck can be seen in the area

Tekstboks: The municipality of Os is yet another area that one can explore, and one can chose between the surrounding mountains, woodlands and lakes that can be found in the region. The waterway system, known as "Osvassdrag", and the three fjords, Lysefjord, Bjørnafjord and Fusafjorden, all produce interesting habitats and most of the commoner species can be found. Though some distance from the open sea, several species that one associates with a more maritime environment have been recorded. Great Cormorant and Common Eider are two of the more frequent visitors while other species like Long-tailed Duck and Velvet Scoter have been seen from time to time. Both Common Goldeneye and Red-breasted Merganser can also be seen on the fjords. Freshwater localities are always worth checking. Winter months could produce Little Grebe, Whooper Swan, Smew and Goosander while during the summer months it is Eurasian Wigeon, Mallard, Common Teal and Tufted Duck that you are most likely to see. Waders are also found in both habitats. Along the shores of the fjord look out for European Oystercatcher and Common Sandpiper, while freshwater marshes can produce Northern Lapwing, Common Snipe, Eurasian Curlew and Common Redshank. The woodlands hold a good selection of the commoner Scandinavian species, as well as one or two other interesting birds. White-backed Woodpecker and Grey-headed Woodpecker have both been recorded in the region, and though these species are uncommon they can be found. The two most common woodpeckers are Green and Great-spotted, though Lesser-spotted Woodpecker has also been recorded, if not as common as the two above named species . the White-throated Dipper, Norway's national bird prefers the many rivers and streams, so keep an eye open. Many of the commoner species can be found in abundance. Check areas of farmland for Whinchat, this species often sits on fences by the roadside. An early morning woodland walk can also give results, if only for the commoner species like Fieldfare and Redwing. Common Chiffchaff and Willow Warblers will have arrived by April, while such species as Icterine Warbler, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Pied Flycatcher and Spotted Flycatcher will be about a month later. Amongst the 8 species of tit that have been seen in the area you may also see Crested and Coal Tit. Both the Long-tailed Tit and the Eurasian Nuthatch can be found and both are Scandinavian subspecies. Common Treecreeper is a little shyer and may take a little more searching. As one would expect the woodlands hold a good selection of finch with Brambling breeding as high as the tree line. Another species that can be found at this height, and above, is the Twite. Back in lower areas of woodland it is the Common Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Siskin and Common Redpoll that are the dominant species. Os has had its share of rare species through the years with such species as Red-footed Falcon. How to Get There: The area is easily reached from both Bergen. Follow route E14 out of the city centre towards Nesttun. Just through Nesttun you will come to a set of three round-a-bouts. At the third the road is sign-posted for Haljem and Os.

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Os

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