Bird watching IN NORWAY

Eurasian Wigeon  -  A species often seen during migration
Tekstboks: Purkebolsvatnet is always worth checking Situated about an hours drive from Bergen the municipal of Austrheim can boast the most western mainland point in Norway. Vardetangen as it is known can be reached by two paths, one from Fonnes and one from Ervik. Surrounded by fjords, the area offers a varied choice of habitats and a bird life that is representative for this part of the county. For the visiting birder however, a stop at Purkebolsvatnet could produce a few of the more commoner species. Here you will find a small freshwater lake with areas of reed that is surrounded by heathland, small areas of woodland and some farmland. By May Divers should be migrating along the coast and there could always be a chance of seeing one from any advantage point looking over Fedjefjord. Both Great Cormorant and Shag can be seen most of the year while Greylag Geese peak during their spring and autumn migrations. Purkebolsvatnet could produce some of the commoner waterfowl. Mallard are usually present and there is always a chance of Tufted Duck and Common Goldeneye. During migration periods Eurasian Wigeon and Common Teal may be found resting in the area. By moving onto the coast you could add on such species as Common Eider and Red-breasted Merganser to your species list. White-tailed Eagle are becoming more common in the county, and Nordhordaland which Austrheim is a part of is a key area for this species. Other birds of prey that can be possibly seen include Eurasian Sparrowhawk. Though not located on the coastal migration route that passes the island of Fedje, many waders no doubt pass Austrheim. Of the species likely to be found during the summer months I should think Eurasian Oystercatcher will be one of the commonest. Northern Lapwing may be found in some areas of farmland while species like Eurasian Curlew will prefer the heathland habitats. Purkebolsvatnet should produce Common Snipe, Common Redshank and possibly Common Sandpiper. Arctic Skua has been recorded, and as one would expect of a coastal location, members of the gull family can be found in varying numbers. Both Common and Arctic Tern breed in the area while Black Guillemot has been seen during the breeding season. Other members of the auk family are seen from time to time, especially during the colder months when birds come in off the open sea and shelter in the fjords. Passerines are represented with a host of species, one to be on the lookout for is Grey-headed Woodpecker. Otherwise I will concentrate once again on Purkebolsvatnet and name only a few species. The lake and its areas of reed are a favourite roost for Barn Swallow during late summer, other Hirundinidae to be seen there include both Sand and House Martin. The habitat that surrounds the lake is varied and consists of heathland with areas of both cultivated and uncultivated pasture with trees, shrubs and bushes. Meadow Pipit are not uncommon and both Hedge Accentor and Robin can usually be seen. By late spring most migrants will have arrived in the area, two of these, the Whinchat and the Northern Wheatear may possibly breed. Spring is also the best time to see and hear warblers. Sedge Warbler has been recorded as has both Common Whitethroat and Blackcap. The area is possibly under watched, and local birders were more than surprised when a Padyfield Warbler was caught and ringed there during the autumn of 2001. Moving back to the more commoner species, such species as Goldcrest, Crested Tit and Coal Tit should be found, especially if you check areas of coniferous woods. Some of the commoner finches around the lake include Common Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Siskin, Redpoll and possibly Twite. Lastly be on the look out for Reed Bunting in the areas of reed. How To Get There: From Bergen follow route E39 heading towards Knarvik. At Knarvik follow route 565 to Austrheim. On nearing Kaland, the road to Purkebolsvatnet is on your right. Click here for map.

Austerheim

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