Bird watching IN NORWAY

Slavonian Grebe  -  regarded by many as a characteristic species on the lake
Tekstboks: Covering an area of 3 sq. km. Lake Lømsen is one of the better birding areas in Steinkjer. This shallow lake with its rich and varied vegetation provides food and shelter for many species. With the arrival of spring, the first Red-throated Divers arrive, and the species sometimes stays through the summer months. Black-throated Diver is less common and must be classed as sporadic. One of the lakes characteristic species is without a doubt Slavonian Grebe. Between 20-30 pairs breed most years, making the lake the most important locality for this species in the county. As one would expect wildfowl are well represented. During the winter Whooper Swans congregate, numbers vary but over a 100 have been counted. The swans can stay around till April when they are often joined by geese that stop to rest under their northwards migration. Greylag Goose is one of the first to arrive but the locality is better known for its flocks of migrating Pink-feet. Other species of geese often join these flocks with Bean Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose and Barnacle Goose being seen from time to time. Red-breasted Goose has also been recorded but this is an extremely rare species in Norway. Looking towards dabbling ducks, Eurasian Wigeon, Common Teal and Mallard being three main species to be found. Other species like Northern Pintail, Garganey and Northern Shoveler have been seen on a few occasions. The shallow lake with its rich food supply also make it popular with diving ducks. Tufted Duck and Common Goldeneye are usually to be seen, and by autumn numbers can be quite good. Other ducks including Common Pochard, Greater Scaup, Long-tailed Duck, Common Scoter and Velvet Scoter have all been recorded in varying numbers and at different times of the year. The shallow waters have also attracted Osprey though this is not a common species in the county. As spring progresses it is not uncommon to hear the trumpeting calls of the Common Crane.   Several waders have been seen in the area with Common Snipe, Common Redshank, Greenshank and Common Sandpiper being amongst those most likely to be seen during the warmer months. During migration times other waders drop in to rest and feed, this however is governed by water levels, but Spotted Redshank has been seen during spring while Temminck's Stint has been seen in the autumn. The area also boasts a lively colony of Black-headed Gull though numbers vary, and the species can be non existent as in 2001. Looking away from the lake itself and paying some attention to its surrounds you will find areas of reed with Sedge Warbler and Reed Bunting being two of the species most likely to be seen. There are also areas of small trees and bushes. Here you will find a good selection of the commoner passerines. With its 129 recorded species Lømsen is well worth a visit. How To Get There: Lake Lømsen is within easy striking distance from Steinkjer. Route E6 runs along the southeast side of the lake while there is a smaller road running on the northwest side. Good views of the lake can be obtained from these roads. There are also a few paths down to the waters edge, but please check that these are not private. Click here for map  

Steinkjer

Common Crane pas through the area while on migration.

Reed Bunting a characteristic wetland species.

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