Bird watching IN NORWAY

King Eider has been recorded at Herdla for the past several years.
Tekstboks: Situated at the north end of the island of Askøy, Herdla is a unique area of the county and well worth a visit. The flat landscape, which is a relic from the last ice-age, is no doubt a welcome sight for the many migrants heading north in the spring, and south in the autumn. Here they can stop to rest and feed on their long migration routes. By March the singing Sky Larks welcome the first signs of spring, and both Eurasian Oystercatchers and Northern Lapwings have arrived in good numbers. Along the tideline flocks of Ringed Plover, Dunlin and Common Redshank look for food. During the winter months the shallow fjords that surround the area are ideal for divers, grebes, and sea-duck. Common Eider can be found in good numbers, as can Velvet Scoter and Long-tailed Duck. For the last several years there has been a single King Eider present most winters. The surrounding woodlands hold a good selection of the commoner species. Both Common and Parrot Crossbill can be found, as can Crested Tit. The woods also hold Great Spotted Woodpecker, while Grey-headed Woodpecker is seen mostly during the autumn. Much of Herdla is productive farmland. Such species as Meadow Pipit and Sky Lark can be found in good numbers. During the autumn some rarer species can be found, both Short-toed Lark and Richard's Pipit have been recorded. The fields are also worth checking for buntings and finches. Snow Bunting can be seen during the spring, with small numbers in the winter. Twite and Linnet can also be seen in good numbers from spring, while numbers of Common Chaffinch and Brambling increase during the autumn. Other passerines to look out for include Rock Pipit which is resident all year round, while both Northern Wheatear and Whinchat are summer migrants. Autumn is the best time to study waders. Ruff can be seen in good numbers while smaller numbers of European Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Eurasian Curlew and Bar-tailed Godwit are usually present. It's no wonder that Herdla is one of the best bird watching localities in the county. 209 different species have been recorded in the area. During the last war Herdla was occupied by the Germans, and used as an airport. Today some of the runways can still be seen, but the only things that land are the birds. How To Get There: Traveling by car you follow the Rv555 from Bergen (heading towards Sotra). Following the road, you then turn right on to the Rv 563 when you see the road sign for Askøy. Crossing the toll bridge follow the Rv 562 as far as it goes. You can also take the bus 499 to Herdla from Bergen. From the car park you follow the gravel track out towards the nature reserve. There is a large information map that gives details on the reserve boundaries. Click here for map

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

Bar-tailed Godwit  - this species is seen most years.

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

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