Bird watching IN NORWAY

Grey Heron  -  Not an uncommon sight around Fitjar
Tekstboks: Fitjar is another municipal borough on the island of Stord and has one or two localities of interest in its own right. Vestbøstadtjørna is one of these. This small lake is well watched by the local band of bird watchers, and has through the years produced one or two interesting sightings. Surrounded by farmland, the area offers a good selection of the commoner farmland and wetland species. Little Grebe has been recorded but during the last few years the frequency of observations seems to have dropped off. The same can't be said for Grey Heron, this species is not  uncommon. A visit during early spring could produce Whooper Swan while Mute Swan seems to be increasing and can turn up at any time of the year. During migration periods geese will be moving along the coast with Greylag Goose being the species most likely to be seen. Mallard are resident through the year being joined by both Eurasian Wigeon and Common Teal early in the spring. Of the more uncommon dabbling ducks, Northern Pintail, Garganey and Northern Shoveler have been all been recorded if not annually. Tufted Duck are seen most years, unfortunately the same can not be said for Common Pochard. Though this species has been recorded it must be regarded as rare. The other diving duck likely to be encountered is the Common Goldeneye. The lake is blessed with rich vegetation and this in turn provides habitat for such birds as Water Rail. Though this shy and secretive species is never common in the county, be on the lookout, it has been seen during late spring. Another two interesting species include Common Moorhen and Common Coot. Both these species have a limited distribution in the county. By March Northern Lapwing has returned and as the month progresses European Golden Plover will be passing through. Common Snipe will also be in the area and can be seen and heard displaying over wetter areas of marshland. Eurasian Curlew is another species that can be seen and heard, their lonely call so characteristic for this species. Common Redshank and Common Sandpiper breed in the area while other waders like Greenshank and Green and Wood Sandpiper can turn up during migration. Like most fresh water sites gull numbers can vary with species like Common Gull, Herring Gull and Great Black-backed Gull coming into bathe. As stated, the surrounding farmland attracts a host of species depending on the time of the year. Early spring could bring in the first movements of Sky Lark and Northern Wheatears. While Meadow Pipit and White Wagtail will not be far behind. . By late spring the first of the breeding population Whinchat will be in the area and most of the commoner warblers should have arrived. Sedge Warbler, Common Whitethroat, Blackcap and Willow Warbler can all be found. Most of the commoner Scandinavian species can be encountered. Members of the Thrush family like Fieldfare and Redwing should be in the area. Check areas of wood and scrubland for some of the commoner finches like Greenfinch, Siskin and Redpoll. How To Get There: The lake is about 3 kilometres west of Fitjar. There is an observation tower between the lake and the road on the south side. There is a network of roads around the lake and paths that one can follow. Click here for map  

Fitjar

Common Snipe can be seen displaying

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