Bird watching IN NORWAY

White-tailed Eagle are often seen in the area.
Tekstboks: Covering an area of 114 sq. kilometre, and with a coast line of 337 km, the Austevoll archipelago is well worth exploring. It is no coincidence that the county bird watching group have started visiting the island of Møkster - the area can, and has produced the unexpected.  Sea watching from Skansen can produce a rewarding day, under the right weather conditions. From May good numbers of diver move north, as well as the Red and Black-throated there is always a chance of seeing both Great-northern and  White-billed Diver. Shag are a characteristic species along the coast, with many birds landing on the small islands that can be found. The Great Cormorant is also seen frequently, though as yet, not found breeding. As one would expect, seaduck can be found in varying numbers. Common Eider can be seen in good numbers most of the year while numbers of Common Scoter vary depending on the time of the year. Red-breasted Mergansers also find the area ideal, but tend to like the shelter of the many small bays and inlets. With the arrival of spring good numbers of  Eurasian Oystercatcher pass the island on their way north, many however stop to breed. Other species of wader that can be seen during migration times include European Golden Plover and Eurasian Curlew, the later breeding in some areas. Northern Lapwing, Common Snipe, Common Redshank and Common Sandpiper also breed where habitat is suitable. Wader watching during the autumn however can be more rewarding. Check coastal farmland for such species as Red Knot, Dunlin, Ruff and Bar-tailed Godwit. Late summer is also a good time to watch for Skuas, all four species are seen along the county coastline most years. Northern Gannet, Fulmar and Black-legged Kittiwake may be seen off-shore from time to time. Many of the small islands around the Austevoll coastline are seabird reserves with restricted access. Here you can find such species as Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull and Arctic Tern. A spot of seawatching during spring or autumn could produce flocks of Auks. The Black Guillemot However prefers to keep "land in sight" and can often be seen bobbing about just off shore. While on the coast keep an eye open for both Peregrine and Gyr Falcon, both these species hunt along the coast, especially the during late summer and autumn. Otherwise White-tailed Eagle can roam into the area.   Though the island has a green and lush vegetation, with the possibilities to bird almost anywhere, the small island of Møkster is well worth a visit, and due to its size is easily covered. Here you will find areas of farmland with scattered bushes and trees. And lastly the gardens with their rich and varied plant life. As mentioned at the start of this page, Møkster has produced the unexpected with both Yellow-browed Warbler and Rose-coloured Starling being seen. As with other islands along the western coast of Norway, it is the spring and autumn migrations that are the best time to visit. During the summer months, most species have settled down to breeding, both Grey-headed Woodpecker and Great-spotted Woodpecker have been recorded, so be on the lookout. You will find a selection of the commoner Scandinavian species on the island. Fieldfare, Song Thrush and Redwing can be found in the woodlands, or feeding in the fields. Also check the fields for such species as Skylark, Whinchat and Northern Wheatear during the spring, and flocks of mixed finch with Common Chaffinch and Brambling during the autumn. The woodlands should provide a good selection of species. No doubt breeding in the area, the Blackcap increases during the spring and autumn movements. Willow Warbler and Common Chiffchaff can be seen from in early spring. Areas of coniferous woods will certainly produce Goldcrest, and look out for Siskin as well. Though numbers vary through the year, both Parrot and Common Crossbill are seen from time to time.   How to Get There:  Austevoll can be reached from Bergen by road or by express boat. From Bergen, drive to Krokeid where you have to take the ferry to Hufthamar. To get to Skansen you have to travel to Storekalsøy and follow the road to Kalve. Here you will find a marked path called Nordsjøløypa. This path takes you through some good habitat, out towards the open sea. To reach Møkster you have to take a local ferry that goes several times a day from Hufthamar. I would suggest taking the 8 o'clock ferry in the morning, returning at 17:15 in the afternoon. This will give you enough time to explore the island. Click here for map.

Austevoll

Some sea-watching can produce Fulmar.

Great-spotted Woodpecker 

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