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Follow The Norwegian Birding Route
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Spring: Spring is always exciting no matter where you are and Bergen is no different. Once again you have the choice of habitats, but the coast on the island that surround Bergen are a natural choice. Like Jæren, huge numbers of birds will be passing by. Come mid May both Brent and Barnacle Geese will be moving north, on a good day you can witness what looks like never ending flocks. Add to this the chance of seeing all four species of diver, and if you are lucky all four species of Skua, then the scene is set for some great seawatching. For those interested in waders then Herdla on the island of Askøy is the place to be. Herdla is one of the best places to watch birds in the county. The shallow fjords that surround the area are ideal for Divers, Grebes and Seaduck. Wader movements are at there best by spring with a good selection of the commoner species stopping to feed and rest on their way north. White-tailed Eagle is frequently recorded along the coastline, seeing this huge bird of prey may just be the high-light of your visit. |
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Summer: Head for the mountains or the cooling shade of the woodlands. You will find birds in both habitats. Bergen in one of the few cities in the world where you have miles of scenic nature, virtually minutes from the city centre. Take the funicular railway to the top of Mount Fløyen. From here, tracks take you through pine woodlands and further into the mountains. Male Tree Pipits should still be marking their territory with their characteristic parachute display flight. While small flocks of Fieldfares will be calling noisily from their breeding colonies. Both Spotted and Pied Flycatcher can be seen as well as Crested Tit. The woodlands should also hold such species as Siskin and Common Crossbill. On leaving the woodlands at Fløyen you will enter a more mountainous habitat with small lakes, bogs and moorland habitat. The small lakes may hold species like Common Teal, Common Redshank and Common Sandpiper, while Golden Plover will be calling, well camouflaged against the background. Carry on in to more rocky areas and you may well hear a chattering call, and see the bird making it, the Ring Ouzel. Flocks of Twite and maybe the odd Snow Bunting will also keep you company in the wilderness just above Bergen. |
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Autumn: As with spring, the coast is the place to be. As well as the southbound migration you will have the added advantage of finding rarities, and the outlying islands that are to be found around Bergen produce the goods year after year. Some species like Yellow-browed Warbler must be regarded as annual , while others like the Isabelline Shrike that was seen in 2003 was a lifetimes experience for the few lucky birders who saw it. However, the most exciting element of birding on these outlying islands is the fact that they are greatly under-watched, and you may just be lucky enough to find your own major rarity. |
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Arctic Skua, always on the lookout for an easy meal |
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If the sun disappears, then look up, a White-tailed Eagle could be flying overhead. |
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By late September the first Yellow-browed Warblers and other rarities will be turning up on the coastal islands |
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Bergen A Fantastic City |
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Bergen is centrally located by the North Sea. Ever since its foundation in 1070, Bergen has attracted people from all quarters of the world. |
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Bergen can be either your first or last stop along the Norwegian Birding |