Bird watching IN NORWAY

Common Snipe  -  Check areas of wetland if you want to see this species.
Tekstboks: The municipality of Modalen is yet another area that one can explore, be it the surrounding mountains or the woodlands alongside the narrow fjord that cuts its way inland. Like most fjords in the west of Norway waterfowl can be found, though numbers are never high. Mallard, is the commonest of the group, though be on the lookout for  Common Goldeneye and Red-breasted Merganser during the summer months. Goosander has also been seen from time to time. During the last few years White-tailed Eagle have been moving back into outlying districts and the species is seen most years in the fjord system that surrounds Modalen.  Other birds of prey that can be seen include both Rough-legged Buzzard and Common Kestrel, especially in years with good rodent numbers. Always be on the lookout for Golden Eagle too. Members of the wader family are represented with a selection of the common species.  European Oystercatcher can be seen along the fjord along with Common Sandpiper, though this species is also common along the rivers that can be found in the area. Both Northern Lapwing and Eurasian Curlew prefer areas of farmland while areas of marsh can produce both Common Snipe and Common Redshank.  Mountain habitats can produce such species as European Golden Plover as well as such species as Dunlin and Purple Sandpiper. The woodlands hold a good selection of the commoner Scandinavian species, as well as one or two other interesting birds. White-backed Woodpecker has been recorded in the area, though numbers are not high. The two most common woodpeckers are Green and Great-spotted,  while Grey-headed has been seen from time to time. Be on the lookout for Eurasian Wryneck too.  Norway's national bird, the White-throated Dipper, can be found with projects on neighbouring waterway systems proving that some birds migrate from Sweden into the district. Many of the commoner species can be found in abundance. Check areas of farmland for Whinchat, this species often sits on fences by the roadside. An early morning woodland walk can also give results, if only for the commoner species like Fieldfare and Redwing. Common Chiffchaff and Willow Warblers will have arrived by April, while such species as Icterine Warbler, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Pied Flycatcher and Spotted Flycatcher will be about a month later. Amongst the 8 species of tit that have been seen in the area you may also see Crested and Coal Tit, and remember, the Long-tailed Tit is the Scandinavian subspecies, look for the all white head. Both Eurasian Nuthatch and Common Treecreeper can also be found, and like the Long-tailed Tit, the Eurasian Nuthatch is also a subspecies. As one would expect the woodlands hold a good selection of finch with Brambling breeding as high as the tree line. Another species that can be found at this height, and above, is the Twite. Back in lower areas of woodland it is the Common Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Siskin and Common Redpoll that are the dominant species. A walk in the mountains may produce  Bluethroat and Snow Bunting. How to Get There:  The area is reached from Bergen and Voss by driving along route E16. Before or after Dale, depending on which direction you are coming from, you will see a road sign marked Romarheim. You can then follow route 569 to Modalen. Click here for map.

Modalen

Whinchat  -  a colourful farmland species

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