Bird watching IN NORWAY
Tekstboks: Lake Mos or Mosvatnet as you will find on the map is within easy reach of the city centre. Both the lake and its surrounding park hold a good selection of the commoner species depending on the time of the year. Over 145 species have been recorded, with many species breeding in the area. Though four species of Grebe have been recorded, the one most likely to be seen is Great-crested. Great Cormorant can turn up from time to time. While the Mute Swan is resident, Whooper Swan is a winter species, and it is during this season that wildfowl numbers can be at their best. Mallard, Tufted Duck and Common Goldeneye can be seen most of the year while such species as Eurasian Wigeon, Common Teal, Common Pochard and Greater Scaup are seen almost yearly. Surprisingly, eight species of raptor have been recorded. If you are lucky enough to see a bird of prey there is a fair chance that it will be Eurasian Sparrowhawk, as these often hunt around suburban habitats. Both Common Moorhen and Common Coot have been recorded breeding, though it is the latter that will most probably be seen. With sixteen different species, the lake has had its fair share of waders, most only pass through during the spring and autumn migrations, however you could have a fair chance of seeing Eurasian Oystercatcher or maybe Common Sandpiper during the warmer months. Like most fresh water lakes around Stavanger, members of the Gull family are attracted in varying numbers. There should always be a chance of four or five species depending on the time of the year and either Common or Arctic Tern during the summer months. Moving away from the waters edge. The surrounding park offers a selection of habitats for a good selection of different species. This is reflected in the amount of passerines that have been seen and breed in the area. As one would expect with a suburban park, both Wood Pigeon and Eurasian Collared Dove can be seen throughout the year, while the arrival of spring brings with it Sand Martin, Barn Swallow and House Martin as well as a host of the commoner migrants and songsters. Keep an eye open for the "parachuting" display flight of the Tree Pipit in areas of woodland, while areas of rough grassland could produce its near relative the Meadow Pipit. Whinchat is another species to watch out for in areas of rough grassland.  Five species of thrush have been recorded with only Mistle Thrush being an non breeder. Moving back briefly to the water edge. There are several patches of reedbed around the lake that provide habitat for such species as Sedge and Reed Warbler. Other warblers that have been recorded in the area include both Icterine and Wood Warbler as well as the commoner Blackcap and Willow Warbler.  While Goldcrest can be found throughout the year. Both Spotted and Pied Flycatcher are typical summer migrants, and as their name suggests, are dependent on a rich supply of insects to survive. Many of the members of the tit family also eat insects, but unlike the flycatchers they are resident and though numbers can vary, they can be seen through the year. Crested Tit has been recorded and be on the lookout for the Scandinavian subspecies of both Long-tailed Tit and Willow Tit. Another Scandinavian subspecies that can be found is Eurasian Nuthatch. Two often sought after species include Brambling and Twite, both have been recorded as have Common Crossbill and Parrot Crossbill and Hawfinch. This is only a small selection of the birds that have been seen on and around Mosvatnet, and though the area is widely used for outdoor activities it has also produced a good selection of more interesting species including Red Kite, Eurasian Hobby, Arctic Skua and Hawk Owl just to name a few. How To Get There:  From the city centre you can take the number 3 or 9 bus. Ask the driver to put you of at Mosvatnet. For people with their own transport, ask at Stavanger Tourist Office for a map and directions as there are several places to park around the lake. Click here for map.

Stavanger

Common Goldeneye can be seen on the lake most of the year.

Spotted Flycatcher  -  a typical summer migrant