Bird watching IN NORWAY

You may be lucky and see Great Northern Diver
Tekstboks: An island in its own right covering 247 square km. Bømlo in fact comprises of over a 1000 islands. Thanks to its mild winter climates, the island has a lush and varied plant life from the heather heath lands, to the coastal pinewoods. In the valleys, and other sheltered areas you will find small woodlands comprising of such species as Hazel, Beech, Elm, Linden and Oak. Such woodlands, with dead and dying trees often hold a rich variety of birds. Eurasian Wryneck has been found breeding as has Grey-headed Woodpecker and White-backed Woodpecker. Other hole nesters include Pied Flycatcher, Willow Tit and Eurasian Nuthatch. The Pine woods are also worth checking if only for Parrot Crossbill and the chance of seeing Capercaillie. As one would expect seabirds are ever present, and the island boasts some of the better seabird colonies in the county such as the Låtersøy area with its breeding Shag, Greylag Goose, Common Eider, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Greater Black-backed Gull and both Common and Arctic Terns. Like all seabird reserves in the county you have to keep a distance of 50m from the 15/4 to the 31/7, and of course you are not allowed to go on land. For the visiting birder who likes sea watching Hiskjo is worth a visit. As with all sea watching sites, Hiskjo is dependent on weather conditions and optimal bird movements. You may be lucky and see White-billed Diver or Brent Goose in the spring or Manx and Sooty Shearwater during late summer. There should be a chance of some of the commoner species as well so be on the look out for Northern Fulmar,  Common Guillemot and Atlantic Puffin as well.  Away from the coast, there are several small lakes and wetland areas that are worth a visit. Here I can mention Melingsvatn and Mørketjødno. Away from these areas, Storavatnet is always worth a stop. Here you will find the commoner species such as European Wigeon, Common Teal, Mallard, Tufted Duck and Common Goldeneye. During the summer there is a small breeding population of Common Tern and a Heronry with over 20 nests. Another area that is worth visiting is Sønstabø - Hisjo. The habitat is varied, though it is the coastal side that can produce some of the more interesting species. Always be on the look-out for White-tailed Eagle. In the north at Sønstabø, you will find areas of farmland, during migration periods you can find resting flocks of Geese and Waders. Greylag Goose are seen most years, while White-fronted Goose, Pink-footed Goose and Barnacle Goose are a little rarer. Wader numbers vary, as does selection. Northern Lapwing, Common Snipe and Eurasian Curlew are characteristic for the area, and most probably breed. Most autumns, Golden Plover, Ruff and Dunlin can be seen while species such as  Little Stint, Black-tailed Godwit. Bar-tailed Godwit and Whimbrel have been recorded. The island of the thousand islands is without a doubt under watched when it comes to its birdlife, and could produce unexpected rarities during spring and autumn.      How To Get There:  With the new system of bridges and tunnels from the neighbouring islands, it is now possible to drive all the way to the island. Otherwise there is a ferry connection from Buavåg at Sveio to Langevåg on Bømlo. Låtersøy is south in the island, and can only be reached by boat. Hiskjo is best reached by driving from Bremnes and following the road towards Sønstabø - Straumfjorden. Hiskjo is at the "end of the road". Situated in the west of the island Melingsvatnet is about 4 km from Bremnes and is a part of a wetland complex on the "Melingsheiane"  Storavatnet is situated in the "middle" of Bremnes. There are several advantage points, but Stavlandsøyno in the south is a good area. To get the  Sønstabø - Hisjo area follow the same road as when driving to Hiskjo. Here it is best to park the car and explore the area by foot. Click here for map

Bømlo

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