Bird watching IN NORWAY

Velvet Scoters can be seen until late spring when they leave for their mountain breeding areas. However, don’t worry they return in the autumn.
Tekstboks: Situated in the north of the county, Radøy, with its contrasting habitats, is well worth exploring. Here you will find everything from sheltered fjords with small bays, to a more open rocky coastline on the west side of the island. With its woodlands, farmlands and large areas of heath - it's understandable that Radøy is known locally as the green island, and the only problem is choosing what type of habitat you want to bird in. To make a start, may I suggest a trip to Marøy. Situated at the northern end of the island, this rocky outcrop is worth a visit. From the roads end, you can make your way in a westerly direction out towards the coast. The terrain is undulating, so take care. Once out by the sea you will see the islands of Hernar, Sanden and Nordøy in the distance. However we are not hear to look at islands. Its birds we are after. During the winter months Common Eider congregate, while Long-tailed Duck and Velvet Scoter numbers are lower. By spring however duck numbers start to disperse. Common Eider will still be present, and may be joined by Red-breasted Mergansers. By May there is a good chance of seeing Red-throated Diver, either flying by with its characteristic "head bobbing" action, or resting on the sea. Other species that can be seen include Eurasian Oystercatcher and of course gulls. Herring and Greater Black-backed Gull are present all year, while Lesser Black-backed Gull is migrant and usually starts arriving in April. The terns that you are most likely to see are Common and Arctic. Always look out for the resident White-tailed Eagle and the migrant Arctic Skua in this area. Passerines are fewer in numbers though Rock Pipit can be seen. Away from the coast you can chose between woodland trails, lakes or farmland to do your birding in. All three habitats offer a good selection of species. The woodland trails on Toska go through both coniferous and deciduous woods. Here you will find both marked and unmarked paths. While most of the pine trees are only small in height, check them out for such species as Hedge Accentor, Goldcrest, Crested Tit and Coal Tit. Spring will bring with it such species as Song Thrush and Redwing, as well as some of the commoner migrants like Common Redstart that are only passing through. One of the commoner members of the finch family is Siskin, and also be on the lookout for Linnet and Twite during the warmer months. Away from the pine woods, the many small areas of deciduous trees are always forth checking. By spring Blackcap and Common Whitethroat should be in the area, joining the already singing Common Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler. Also be on the look out for both Spotted and Pied Flycatchers. Toska can also produce the unexpected with both Peregrine and Gyr Falcon being seen here. It would be unfair not to mention Radøy and the heather/heath habitat. Heather is a common plant in this region and covers large areas, and once again you will find well marked paths. Meadow Pipit is a characteristic species, and by spring the mail can be seen doing their "ascending" flight display only to drop to the ground. Northern Wheatear is another species that finds this thick vegetation with areas of rocks and boulders to its liking. Black Grouse can also be seen in this type of habitat, specially when near areas of trees. You will also find areas of bog with small ponds and lakes. Mallard and Common Teal are the two most commonest dabbling ducks, while Tufted Duck and Common Goldeneye can be seen on some larger lakes. Around the shoreline look out for Common Redshank and Common Sandpiper, both these species of waders are common, as are Northern Lapwing and Eurasian Curlew, though both these species tend to prefer dryer areas. One species that doesn't like dryer areas is the Common Crane. Though this species is very rare in coastal areas in the county, this species has been seen several times, often late into the breeding season, leaving the local birders wondering if the species breeds somewhere on the island. How To Get There: Situated about 40 km north of Bergen. Follow the main E39 route towards Knarvik. After crossing the toll bridge you will come to some round-a-bouts. At the second round-about look out for route 566. This is the main road that covers the island. To get to Marøy follow the road towards Nordanger. Here you turn to your left and double back towards Kvalheim. Before reaching Kvalheim a road stretches off to your right, heading out towards Marøy. To reach Toska follow the road to Magner. You can then head on out towards the island and explore at your leisure. There are one or two small roads and lots of paths. Click here for map

Radøy

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