oygarden

Bird watching IN NORWAY

Be on the lookout for Richard’s Pipit during the autumn

Tekstboks: At the northern tip of Sotra, you will find Hellesøy and Svellingen. This charming little coastal hamlet is part of the Øygarden council district. Some of the scenery along this part of the coast is breath-taking to say the least, and the drive to Hellesøy alone, is well worth it. Due to its situation, the area provides a natural landfall for the many migrants that pass through. It is the autumn migration however, between the months of September and October that can be the most interesting. There is always a good chance of finding a Siberian rarity. However, due to the lack of vegetation most species are found in peoples gardens, or seen in the hedgerows while walking along the roads. This may seem a strange way to find birds but it can give good results. Some of the more interesting species to be seen during the past few years include Richard's Pipit, Red-throated Pipit, Yellow-browed Warbler, Pallas's Warbler, Dusky Warbler and Little Bunting. At other times of the year a good collection of the common species can be found. Grey Heron can often be seen fishing along the shores, their concentration only spoiled by a Rock Pipit flying past. By early autumn there is always a chance of seeing Grey-headed Woodpecker or the more commoner Great-spotted Woodpecker. Most of the commoner migrants can be seen during the spring and autumn migrations, Sky Lark, Common Redstart and Northern Wheatear are just some of the species that you can see. During the summer months such species as Common Whitethroat and Blackcap can be found in the right habitats while Willow Warblers are everywhere. The small areas of pinewood hold such species as Goldcrest, Crested Tit, Siskin and Common Redpoll. If there are plenty of pinecones check the trees both for Common and Parrot Crossbills. From the nearby Svellingen, you have also the added bonus of sea watching. Though not a major sea watching site an hour or two, sat on the rocks to the left of the small lighthouse can produce a small selection of coastal birds depending on the time of the year. Great Cormorant and Shag are usually seen in varying numbers. Both Common Eider and Red-breasted Merganser can be seen, while such species as Long-tailed Duck, Common Scoter and Velvet Scoter are more common from autumn through spring. There is always a chance of seeing White-tailed Eagle, while further out at sea, Northern Gannets can be seen fishing. During both the autumn and spring migration you could also see all four species of Diver or Skua. How To Get There: To reach Hellesøy, follow the Rv 555 from Bergen to Sotra, after driving through a long tunnel you will hit a round-about. Turn right and follow the Rv 561. From the round-about it is about 45km to Hellesøy. There are lots of small roads leading to exciting habitats, so it is just a case of choosing.
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Øygarden

Little Bunting - Only one record from Hellesøy

Svellingen - The woodlands and rough pasture attract migrants coming in off the sea

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

Latest Observations from local birder Julian Guy Bell

Tekstboks: Øygarden is on the Norwegian Birding Route. Click here for more information

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