Bird watching IN NORWAY

The Eurasian Oystercatcher  -  With its bold black and white plumage and bright red bill and legs, they are hard to miss.
Tekstboks: Situated at the mouth of the Hardangerfjord the municipal borough of Kvinnherad covers an area of 1,137 sq km. The natural surroundings are dominated by high mountains and the mighty Hardangerfjord that winds its way inland. Every year, thousands of tourist visit this area, many spending time at the Barony at Rosendal. Though this museum is worth a visit in its own right it will be the unspoilt natural habitats that will be of most interest to the visiting bird watcher. Here you will find a varied selection ranging from the icy peaks of the Folgefonna - the third biggest glacier in Norway to areas of protected deciduous woodlands. Away from the beaten track you will find mountain lakes and rivers that run through farmland, managed through the centuries to provide a living for the local farmers. Though the borough can boast of no area that is especially noted for its birdlife, a varied selection can be found for those that are willing to look and spend some time. Red-throated Diver, though uncommon have been found breeding so mountain lakes and ponds are always worth checking. Moving back down to fjord level you will find a host of species that are connected with wetland and marsh. Grey Heron are not uncommon and along with Mallard are most likely the two species that you will see along the fjords, rivers and lakes. Other wildfowl that have been recorded in the area include Eurasian Wigeon, Common Teal, Common Goldeneye and Red-breasted Merganser. For those interested in raptors, the area is definitely worth checking. Some like Osprey must be regarded as rare while both Northern Goshawk and Eurasian Sparrowhawk are resident. Rough-legged Buzzard may be present if rodent numbers are good and Golden Eagle have been known to breed. Of the three species of falcon to have been recorded it would be the Gyr Falcon that would be of most interest to the visiting birder. Corncrake was recorded and though numbers have declined in the county over the past years, I am sure there is still suitable habitat. May will also be a good month to see some of the commoner waders. Eurasian Oystercatcher can be seen along the fjords while such species as Northern Lapwing prefer farmland. Up on the mountains European Golden Plover should have arrived while mountain lakes could produce Common Redshank and Common Sandpiper. Both Ringed Plover and Green Sandpiper have been recorded on passage. Five species of Gull have been recorded with Common Gull and Herring Gull being the ones most likely to be seen through the year. Terns however are strictly summer visitors with breeding Common Tern and the odd Arctic Tern straying into the area. Though the mountains, fjords, wetlands and farmlands can be interesting its is the woodlands that hold some of the more sought after species. By May both Capercaillie and Black Grouse should be displaying at their lek sites while the sounds of drumming woodpeckers should be heard. Six species breed including Grey-headed Woodpecker and the White-backed Woodpecker while Three-toed Woodpecker has been recorded but not found breeding. This selection alone makes for some interesting birding, add to it a host of other woodland species like Icterine Warbler, Crested Tit, Parrot Crossbill and it is easy to spend many hours in this type of habitat. Once satisfied then you can move back onto the mountains as we shouldn't forget both Ring Ouzel and Snow Bunting. How To Get There: The area is easy reached by both road or express boat. From Bergen follow route E 39 to Os and then route 552 to Hatvik. From here you have to take the ferry to Venjaneset. From here head towards Eikelandsosen on route 48 where you have to drive to the next ferry at Gjemundshamn to Løfallstrand. Once on the other side route 48 continues to Rosendal Click here for map.

Kvinnherad

Common Sandpiper can be found along the fjords, along rivers and streams and on lakes.

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