Bird watching IN NORWAY

Rock Ptarmigan can be found in the mountains.
Tekstboks: The rich and varied nature of the Etne region has a lot to offer the visiting bird watcher, be it the unspoiled woodlands that rise up from the blue fjord, the surrounding high mountains or the lowland marshlands, there is something for everyone. The woodlands hold such species as Green and Great-spotted Woodpeckers. White-backed Woodpecker has also been found, so look in areas with plenty of aspen. During the summer months Pied and Spotted Flycatcher dart for insects between the trees, while in the tree tops you just may see Common Crossbill, Parrot Crossbill and Common Bullfinch. These three big colourful finches that are a pleasure to the eye. Otherwise such species as Redwing and Fieldfare can be found, the latter in noisy breeding colonies. From the month of May several songsters can be heard, from the harsh yet beautiful song of the Icterine Warbler to the melodious Blackcap and Common Whitethroat. Beyond the green slopes there are the mountain tops. Here you will find Ptarmigan, European Golden Plover and Ring Ouzel, while there is always a chance of seeing Rough-legged Buzzard, when rodent numbers are high, or a Merlin hunting after some of the commoner mountain species like Meadow Pipit and Northern Wheatear. Etnedelta. This large tidal marshland has been somewhat reduced during the past years, but still offers the chance for some birding. Some of the characteristic species for the area include Grey Heron and Mallard. Both Common Teal and European Wigeon arrive in the spring, while ducks such as Tufted Duck and Common Goldeneye can be sometimes encountered feeding in the shallow fjord. At low tide small areas of mudflats appear, this attracts Eurasian Oystercatchers, Northern Lapwings, Common Redshanks and Common Snipe during the spring, while during the colder months there is a chance of seeing Little Grebe. How To Get There:  Etne is situated on the route E134 which is the main road between the towns of Haugesund and Odda. Once in the area there are several roads to follow, but I would suggest driving up to Hårland. This road will take you past some great areas of woodland as well as some lakes. At Hårland you can make your way into the mountains and visit the large lake Hårlandsvatn. Click here for map

Etne

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

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