Bird watching IN NORWAY

Little Stint have been seen at Vinnesleira
Tekstboks: The community coat of arms symbolises strong currents. This is well suited with the potholes that can be seen at the Koldal River near Eikelandsosen. These have been made by force of nature with ice grinding away at the rock.  Situated on the northeast side of Bjørnafjorden, the tiny municipal council of Fusa covers an area of 379 sq.km. with the highest point being Tveitakvitingen at 1299 metres above sea level. The area itself offers a good variation of habitats from the higher mountain regions in the north, down to the many small fjords that run east from Bjørnafjorden. Many of the valleys are narrow and dominated by steep slopes with some good areas of deciduous woodlands as well as interesting areas of Pine forests. Both these types of woodland hold a good selection of species. Areas of cultivated farmland are also worth checking as are some of the wetland areas  such as Vinnesleira. Here you will find a nature trail with information about the areas birdlife. Out on the fjord you will find the two seabird reserves of Gåseskjer and Steglhomen. Though all four species of diver can be seen during migration times along the county coastline, only Red-throated Diver has been seen at Fusa, and even then must be regarded as uncommon. This can not be said for Great Cormorant, in fact there is a small islet that is known as Skarvaskjeret which can be best translated as Cormorant islet where the birds often sit. Grey Heron are a common sight all year round. The same can't be said for Whooper Swan, they can be seen from time to time during the winter months. Wildfowl are also represented with a selection of the commoner species. Check areas like Vinnesleira for Common Shelduck. Spring brings with it both Eurasian Wigeon and Common Teal, and these freely join the resident Mallards. Other dabbling ducks that have been recorded include Northern Shoveler that was seen on the 30.04.2002. Other than Mallard, the only other duck that can be seen in reasonable numbers is Common Eider. Sea-duck often wander into the fjord system, Long-tailed Duck and Velvet Scoter have both been recorded with the winter months being the best time. Both Common Goldeneye and Red-breasted Merganser can be seen in varying numbers on the fjords and surrounding low lying lakes. White-tailed Eagle are on the increase in the county with more and more birds straying into the fjords. Norway's other eagle, the Golden Eagle can also be found. Otherwise both Northern Goshawk and Eurasian Sparrowhawk are two of the raptors that are likely to be seen. Four species of grouse have been recorded with Rock Ptarmigan and Willow Grouse sharing higher habitats while Capercaillie prefer areas of mature pine forest. Many waders find their way into the fjord system. From their arrival in March, the Eurasian Oystercatcher soon increase and spread along the fjords. Areas like Vinnesleira are always worth checking. Over twenty species of wader have been recorded with Grey Plover, Red Knot, Sanderling, Little Stint and Ruff being amongst the more interesting. Northern Lapwing breed in lower farmland areas while its near relative, the European Golden Plover is a bird of the mountains. Such species as Common Snipe, Common Redshank and Common Sandpiper can be found both along the fjord as well as inland lakes and marshes. An evening walk from April onwards through the summer could just produce "roding" Eurasian Woodcock.  The seabird reserves of Gåseskjer and Steglhomen hold varying numbers of the commoner gulls. However there was a interesting mid summer observation of Glaucous Gull at Vinnesleira on the 01.06.2002. Both Arctic and Common Tern can be seen with the later being the commonest. While Terns are typical summer species, members of the auk family can be found during the colder months, especially when winter storms drive such species as Common Guillemot and Razorbill to seek the shelter of the fjords. The deciduous woodlands with many species of broadleaf tree hold some of the more interesting species. As one would expect woodpeckers find this habitat to their liking and Europe's rarest woodpecker, the White-backed Woodpecker is found in the area. This species prefers areas with dead or dying aspen so be on the lookout for this type of habitat. Both Grey-headed Woodpecker and Green Woodpecker also like aspen and you will often find lots of woodpecker holes in this type of trees. By May Eurasian Wryneck will have arrived, a species you often hear calling before you see it. Songsters will also be active, check Myrane at Vinnesleira for Sedge Warbler. May is also a good time to see Icterine Warbler, Common Whitethroat and Blackcap. Seven species of tit have been seen, with such species as Crested Tit and Coal Tit preferring pine woodlands. Another species you can look for in the pine woods is the Nutcracker. Usually a shy species until autumn when they start hoarding Hazel nuts for the winter and can often be seen flying to and fro areas with Hazel woods. Members of the finch family are represented with several of the commoner species. Be on the look out for both Common and Parrot Crossbill in the Pine woods How to get there:  From Bergen follow route E39 to Os. From here follow route 552 to Hatvik where you have to take the ferry to Venjaneset. Once at Venjaneset you follow the road that runs along side Eikelandsfjorden to you reach the community centre of Eikelandsosen. From here it is possible to explore the area. Both Gåseskjer and Steglhomen are seabird reserves with no access during the breeding seaso Click here for map.

Fusa

Eurasian Wigeon pass through the area

Blackcap, one of the better songsters to be heard

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