nesset

Bird watching IN NORWAY

Mallard - A common species along the fjords

Tekstboks: From the shores of the fjord, to the towering mountains at 1800 m.a.s., the rural community of Nesset offers the visiting birder a range of habitats, and several interesting areas. One area worth checking is Eidsvågleirene. Though the selection of species will not be high, several of the commoner species can be found. Grey Heron is a characteristic species in the area along with Mallard. With the arrival of March, both Eurasian Wigeon and Common Teal are on their way north while such species as Tufted Duck and Common Goldeneye can be seen on Langfjorden. March also brings with it the first flocks of Northern Lapwing. As spring progresses, Common Snipe and Common Redshank can be found in suitable habitat, while and Common Sandpiper can be found along the shores of the fjord or the banks of the rivers. The many wooded valleys offer food and breeding sites for a host of species. One of the better areas to visit is Eikesdal, here you can follow the road that runs alongside Lake Eikesdal. Here it is just a case of choosing a woodland path and exploring what the area has to offer. From April the woodlands are becoming alive with song. Great-spotted Woodpeckers can be heard drumming from the depths of the woods, while the "laughing" call of the Green Woodpecker can be heard across the valley. By late April Fieldfares will be forming nesting colonies, while its near relatives, the Redwing and the Song Thrush can be heard calling, often from the top of a pine or other high tree. By May the true songsters have arrived, and it is not impossible to hear Garden Warbler, Common Whitethroat and Blackcap, all singing from different areas. It is however Willow Warbler that is the commonest member of the warblers. Other species that can be encountered along the way include Goldcrest, check areas of pinewood for this species. Spotted Flycatchers are often easier to find, and can be seen darting out from a fence wire or a post along the track. Thanks to the variety of woodlands, the number of species that can be found make the area well worth exploring. Willow Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit and Great Tit can all be found. There are also Eurasian Nuthatch and Common Treecreeper in the area, the later shy, and sometimes hard to find while the Eurasian Nuthatch is noisy, often sat high in the branches of a tree, scolding you for disturbing his peace. Common Chaffinch, Greenfinch and Siskin should be the commoner members of the finch family that you will find. If you are lucky however you could just see Common or Parrot Crossbill. Numbers vary from year to year depending on the pinecone harvest. The many streams and rivers that can be found are home for White Wagtails and White-throated Dippers. And lastly the mountains, the road between Finnset and Eikesdal will take you up to Aursjøhytta at 826 m.a.s. This makes a good base camp to explore the area. keep an eye on the skyline. Check little "black dots". Most probably they will only be Common Raven but if you are lucky then it could be a bird of prey. Both Rough-legged Buzzard and Common Kestrel can be found during years with good rodent numbers. With the melting of the snow, the call of the European Golden Plover blends in with the calls male Meadow Pipits and Northern Wheatears, their display flight and song giving away their presence. Ring Ouzels however are a lot quieter, often keeping out of sight when you are in their breeding area. Small flocks of Twite and the shyer Snow Bunting can also be found. How To Get There: To get to Nesset follow route E39 from Molde. At Hjelset you turn off onto route 62. The road will then take you onto Eidsvåg, Eikesdal and Vistdal.
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Nesset

Accommodation

Hotel Schnitlertun