Bird watching IN NORWAY

Eurasian Oystercatcher  -  By March they are moving north along the coast.
Tekstboks: Sula is just one of many small municipalities along this coastal stretch. Though the area is small, covering a land area of 59 sq. km, there is a great variation in habitats from shallow coastal fjords to mount Sula, with its highest point at 776 meter above sea level. 148 species have been recorded, of which 96 are possible breeders. Positioned between Heissafjorden and Sulafjorden, Sula is set back from the open sea, this is a shame, a few kilometres further west would make the area into a good sea watching locality. This being said some seabirds have been recorded. Red-throated Diver is the only member of this group to have been observed. While both Fulmar and Northern Gannet can be seen in varying numbers. Common Eider is most probably the only seaduck that can be seen throughout the year while such species as Long-tailed Duck and Velvet Scoter are no doubt commoner during the colder months. Like other places in the county, there has been a noticeable increase in White-tailed Eagles and the species can often be seen.  As one would expect of a coastal site, waders are well represented with 16 species. Some however are only seen during the spring and autumn migration periods. By March the first Eurasian Oystercatchers will be arriving along with Northern Lapwings and Ringed Plovers. Some species like Turnstone and Purple Sandpiper may be more numerous during the winter months while others like Dunlin and Ruff could be at there best during late summer and early autumn. Some of the wader species like European Golden Plover, Eurasian Curlew, Whimbrel and Common Redshank can be found inland at freshwater localities or farmland in the municipality. Members of the gull family are to be found throughout the year with the usual Common, Herring and Great Black-backed. Both Black-headed and Lesser Black-backed are seen during the warmer months, while there is always a chance of Glaucous Gull during the colder months. Keep an eye open for Arctic Skua harassing the Arctic Terns that breed in the area. Though no members of the auk family have breed on Sula, they do breed a few kilometres away at the bird island of Runde. This results in that Razorbill, Common Guillemot and Atlantic Puffin can be seen in the fjord systems that surround Sula. Little Auk has been seen too, but this is mostly a winter visitor. Moving away from the coast and further inland we find a varied habitat consisting of farmland, marshlands, both deciduous and coniferous woodlands as well as the higher mountain areas around mount Sula. Here one will find a rich birdlife with many interesting species. One of these is Little Grebe, this species actually breeds and Sula can boast one of the highest breeding populations in the country. If you would like to see this species check out one of the following lakes,  Lake Djupvik, Lake Store and Lake Raude. These lakes are rich in nutrients and therefore provide food and habitat for the grebes, as well as a number of species. Mute Swan has been recorded if only once, Whooper Swan however is more regular and can be found in varying numbers during the winter months. Of the two species of geese that have been recorded, Canada and Greylag it is only the later that has breed. Dabbling ducks are represented with Eurasian Wigeon, Common Teal and Mallard. These three species are seen most years while Northern Pintail and Northern Shoveler are more sporadic.  As for diving ducks both Tufted Duck and Common Goldeneye can be found most years while Common Pochard is rarer, though the species actually breed in 1976 and 1977. During an invasion of this species in 1978, 80 were counted at Lake Mauseid alone. Other interesting species to be seen at wetland areas on Sula include Smew, Water Rail and Common Coot. A host of passerines have been recorded. Though none are really rare, some of them are interesting. Eurasian Wryneck has been recorded, as has some of the more interesting woodpeckers like Grey-headed, White-backed, Lesser-spotted and Three-toed. Look out for White-throated Dippers on the many streams that can be found while the woodlands could produce such species as Common Redstart, Icterine Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat and Garden Warbler. Such species as Fieldfare and Redwing can be found both in deciduous and coniferous woodlands, while such species as Crested Tit, Common Crossbill and Parrot Crossbill prefer the coniferous. Many of the passerines that have been seen on the island are no doubt just passing through. However the region is well worth visiting, and you never know. You just might discover a new species for Sula How to Get There:  The area is easily reached from both Ålesund. Follow route E39 out of the city. Turn onto route Rv61. There is also a fast ferry service between Ålesund and Langevågen and from Hareid. Lake Store (Storevatn) can be reached from several paths in the area. Click here for map

Sula

Common Pochard  - though rare it has breed in the area

Arctic Skua  -  always on the lookout for a passing tern.

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