Bird watching IN NORWAY

Seawatching can produce good numbers of migrating Red-throated Diver. There are an estimated 2000 to 5000 pairs that breed in Norway
Tekstboks: Yet another municipal district on the island of Sotra. Sund covers the southern half of the island and consists of a varied selection of birding habitats. In this presentation we will concentrate on sea watching at Golta. Like all sea watching localities Golta is dependent on favourable weather conditions for a good days birding. Though one can sea watch at any time of the year, the best times are early in the morning during the months of May-June or August-September. A visit during late afternoon can also produce a number of species, but this is not to be advised as the sun will be in front of you, making light conditions difficult. During spring it is possible to record all four species of Diver flying past. The commonest is without a doubt Red-throated Diver. Fulmars are not uncommon and be on the lookout for both Sooty and Manx Shearwaters, numbers are never high, but they are seen most years during late summer or early autumn. Northern Gannet can be seen during most months of the year, as can Great Cormorant and Shag. During migration periods good numbers of Great Cormorant can pass by and day counts of a 1000 plus birds have been reached. Greylag Geese breed on the island and can be seen from early spring through late autumn. During migration periods, both Barnacle and Brent Geese can be seen in good numbers as the weave their way along the coast on their north and southbound migrations. These movement go over a short period, both in the spring and in the autumn so some luck is needed to time your visit to coincide with this. Though the rocky coastline does not suit the Common Shelduck, the species is seen most years . Eurasian Wigeon, Common Teal and Mallard are the three members of dabbling duck that you are most likely to see. Sea-duck are represented with a few more species. Common Eider breed in the area and are resident through the year, while Long-tailed Duck and Velvet and Common Scoter can be found from the autumn and through to late spring. Both Common Goldeneye and Red-breasted Merganser are seen with the latter being the commonest. Many hours of sea watching at this site have produced a selection of raptors. White-tailed Eagle are not uncommon in the area and there is always a chance of Peregrine Falcon and Gyr Falcon, especially when gulls are on the move and the big falcons are following the flocks. Otherwise Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Common Kestrel and Merlin are the other three birds of prey that can be seen. As mentioned the coastline at Golta is rocky, resulting in that most waders are seen as they fly by. Eurasian Oystercatcher breed in the area, as do Eurasian Curlew and Common Redshank. Other than the above mentioned species, eighteen other species of wader have been seen, either while flying past or stopping to rest on the small islands that can be found just off-shore. Gulls too are well represented, some of the outlying islands are seabird reserves with good numbers of breeding Herring Gull and Great Black-backed Gull. The area has also produced the unexpected with Glaucous Gull and the even rarer Sabine's Gull. As one would expect with any sea watching sight a good number of passerines have been seen, with some birds even breeding in the area. Both Meadow and Rock Pipit are seen frequently through the year, while White Wagtail, Wren and Northern Wheatear can be found from spring through early autumn. Visible migration can be good, and on the right day during autumn thousands of thrush, mostly Fieldfare and Redwing can pass by your vantage point. There is usually a pair of Common Raven in the area and Hooded Crows can also be seen. Twite is another species that finds the rocky habitat to is liking, with the first flocks arriving by late March and on the move again by late autumn. Spring and autumn visitors also include both Lapland Longspur and Snow Bunting though numbers are never high. How to get there:   To reach Golta, follow the Rv 555 from Bergen to Sotra, after driving through a long tunnel you will hit a round-about. Turn left and follow the Rv 555. From the round-about it is about 30km. Follow road signs for Glæsvær. Just before Glæsvær you will see the signpost for Øvre Golta on you right. Drive to the end of the road and find a suitable parking spot, follow one of the many paths out towards the sea. Please be careful when on the cliffs at Golta. Rough seas have produced high waves that have swept people off their feet and into the seen Click here for map

Sund
Tekstboks: Interesting in seeing some of the area’s more interesting species. If you need a guide, then just send me an e-mail

Barnacle Geese on their way past Golta.

Northern Wheatear  -  a common spring migrant

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

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