Birdwatching IN NORWAY

Black Grouse can be found in the right habitat.
Tekstboks: The area of Nærøyfjorden became a World Heritage Site in 2005, this page covers the areas of Aurland, Gudvangen and Flåm. Surrounded by high majestic mountains the tiny hamlet of Aurland is well worth exploring, here you will find a selection of walks in different habitats. Be it around Aurland, Gudvangen or Flåm. Following the fjord look out for both Common Goldeneye and Red-breasted Merganser. The later breeding in the area, and often seen with small young from early July through August. Other species that can be seen from time to time on the fjord are Common Eider, though rare, small "rafts" of moulting birds have been seen during the summer months. Otherwise Herring Gull and Great Black-backed Gull can be seen at all times of the year, while Black-headed Gull and Common Gull are more common during the summer, also look out for Common Tern, though never in great numbers a few pairs breed in the fjord system. The two characteristic waders of  the fjord are Eurasian Oystercatcher and Common Sandpiper. Thanks to the mild winter climate with little snow along the fjord, the lowland woods are varied with such specie as Hazel, Beech, Elm, Linden and Oak. Such woodlands, with dead and dying trees often hold a rich variety of birds. Grey-headed Woodpecker has been seen during the breeding season along with other hole nesters such as Great-spotted Woodpecker, Pied Flycatcher, Willow Tit and Eurasian Nuthatch. Other more interesting species that can be found in this type of habitat are Black Grouse and Nutcracker. The later being shy, though during early summer and autumn small numbers can be found in Hazel Woods, collecting Hazel nuts for winter. To see Black Grouse you have to walk into higher woodland areas. The coniferous woodlands consist mainly of two types of tree, the spruce and the pine. These types of woodland can then again be dealt into two type of categories, natural and man made. It is easy to tell them apart, the man made are often planted in straight rows. Though the greater number of species can be seen in the natural woodlands, certain species like Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Song Thrush and Siskin seem to like the commercial forests. A walk through natural coniferous woods will provide a greater number of species. Here you will find more space between the trees, with more plant life and variation on the forest floor. From spring both Tree Pipit and Spotted Flycatcher can be found. It is often best just sitting quietly and waiting for some of the birds to appear. Some of them like, Goldcrest, Crested Tit and Coal Tit can often be seen feeding well up in the branches, while the Eurasian Treecreeper is usually seen feeding low down on the trunk. After working its way up, it fly's down to the bottom of the next tree, only to start the process over again. While walking through the woods listen out for the "chip-chip-chip" call of the Common and Parrot Crossbill. Both species can be found in the area. For Mountain habitat I would suggest the area around Østerbø. Here you will find different types of mountain habitat from bare mountain rock to areas of mountain marshland with streams, lakes and scrub vegetation. In this type of habitat look out for European Golden Plover, Common Snipe, Common Redshank and Bluethroat. Otherwise Meadow Pipit, Northern Wheatear and Willow Warbler should be common. Further up on the mountain, were the vegetation becomes sparse look out for Willow Grouse, Twite and Lapland Longspur. All these species like this type of habitat. As always when in the mountains, look out for birds of prey. In years with good rodent numbers Rough-legged Buzzard can be seen, while Common Kestrel and Merlin are not dependent on rodents, and often hunt the many small passerines in the area. How To Get There: Aurland is situated on the main road between the west and the east. From Bergen it takes about 2 hours, while the drive from Oslo is a longer with about 5. You can also reach the area by train to Voss, and bus to Aurland. To get to Østerbø. From Aurland, follow route 50 Aurland - Hol. The 30+ km drive is spectacular. Map Gudvangen - There is only one word - Dramatic The natural beauty of this area is outstanding, with the fjord and mountains making a memorable back drop for any bird watching outing. One walk that I heartily recommend is a trip to Bakka. Here the gravel road runs parallel with the deep fjord on one side, and woodland covered slopes on the other. Having two habitats side by side like this provides possibilities for a good selection of species. One could quiet easily forget that the fjord is saltwater, unless you are lucky enough to see Black Guillemot. Though many miles from the open sea, there is a small breeding population in the fjord. Other than that both Grey Heron, Mallard and Red-breasted Merganser can usually be seen. Like most fjords, the winter climate is mild. From the end of March most of the snow and ice has melted and the Eurasian Oystercatcher can be seen along the shores of the fjord. A month or so later the Common Sandpiper arrives. Away from the fjords, and into the woodlands, the song of the Common Chaffinch joins the twittering of both Siskin and Common Redpoll. Look out, and listen for Brambling, their wheezing call can be heard along the lower slopes before the bird moves higher up the mountain sides to breed. Another species that can also be seen is Twite, in some years numbers can be good and they can be found in lower areas.  The wooded slopes also provide nesting sites and shelter for a good selection of the commoner Scandinavian species. Grey-headed Woodpecker, though not exactly common, have been seen. Both the Fieldfare and Redwing breed and should be seen. During the spring you may also be lucky and see Ring Ouzel on its way to the higher mountain regions. One species however that is contented to stay in areas with small trees and bushes in lower areas is the Icterine Warbler. This species soon makes his presence felt with his rapid and loud song from the middle of May. Other warblers that can be found are Blackcap and Willow Warbler. Check for White-throated Dipper  - Norway's national bird, on the many streams that run out into the fjord. And Lastly the mountains, they have to be seen to be believed! So while you are straining your neck looking up, keep an eye open for the big three, White-tailed Eagle, Golden Eagle and Gyr Falcon all three species can be seen in the area. If you are not lucky enough to see one of the birds of prey, I am sure you will see Common Raven playing on the wind. On a last note, though you are out watching birds, remember that someone could be watching you - it is not uncommon that a head sticks above the water - there are usually Seal in the fjord.  How To Get There: The road to Bakka runs along the left hand side of the fjord. Map Flåm - Idyllic Blue Fjord -  Snow Covered Mountain Tops From the blue waters of the Aurlandsfjord to the majestic mountain tops, Flåm and its surrounding countryside offer the visiting birder a number of habitats. During the summer months the bustling quayside is a hive of activity, especially if one of the many cruise boats that visit the area is in the fjord. But at the end of the long quayside, away from the throngs of people you will find peace and quiet, and one or two birds. Don't be alarmed however if the birds give you a noisy welcome for both Common Tern and Eurasian Oystercatcher breed in the area. With this in mind, please take the birds welfare in mind, and don't go to near the nest sites. It is also worth noting that Common Terns can be quite aggressive when defending the nest. On the fjord look out for Red-breasted Merganser and the resident Mallard. Both Common Gull and Herring Gull should be in the area, though numbers vary from month to month. Other species of the tide line could include Grey Heron and Common Sandpiper. Away from the fjord, the surrounding farmland and woodlands hold most of the commoner species that can be found in these habitats. From the arrival of the first migrants, there is plenty to watch. White Wagtails can be seen almost anywhere, while you may have to look a little harder to find Whinchat. These small colourful migrants from Africa tend to prefer farmland, and can be seen sitting on fence posts or the top of small bushes. Another species that you could come in close contact with is the Twite. Though not a particularly colourful member of the finch family, they are always nice to watch, especially when feeding in small flocks. There are many walks in the area but may I suggest the road that was constructed when they built the world famous "Flåmsbane". The road follows the Flåm valley and passes through several habitats. For the energetic, you can walk both up and down. Otherwise take the train. This in itself is an experience of a lifetime. For those with enough time take the train to Myrdal or Vatnahalsen and walk down, this trip takes between 4-5 hours. For a shorter walk of a couple of hours, leave the train at Berekvam. Birdlife will vary, depending on where you leave the train. From the mountain top at Myrdal you could see such species as Meadow Pipit and Northern Wheatear, there are also Ring Ouzels in the area. While walking down the valley you will be overwhelmed at the high rugged mountains, look out for such cliff nesting species as Rough-legged Buzzard and Common Kestrel. Though don't be fooled by the ever present Common Raven. You will also be impressed by the many waterfalls, some large and ferocious, others none more than a trickle. Look out for White-throated Dipper. While walking down, your surrounding habitats will change, and you will soon find your- self in woodland habitat. Here you will find both Fieldfare and Redwing, the latter being a lot shyer, while the Fieldfare preferring "safety in numbers" and establishing noisy breeding colonies.  Both Icterine Warbler and Common Whitethroat can be found in the area, often being heard before being seen. Look out for Spotted Flycatchers darting from exposed branches or posts along the walk. Both Blue and Great Tit should be encountered while such species as Willow and Coal Tit preferring quieter wooded areas. If lucky you may also see Nutcracker in the area, the best time of the year being late summer when the species starts collecting hazel nuts. Members of the finch family you could see include Common Chaffinch, Brambling, Greenfinch, Siskin and Common Redpoll. All in all - the train ride on the Flåmsbane - the fantastic scenery - and the bird watching make a day or two in Flåm a great part of your holiday in Norway. How To Get There: Flåm can be reached by road, both from Bergen (110 km) or Oslo (332 km). The area can also be reached by train from Bergen or Oslo, or by boat from Bergen. Map

Aurland  -  Gudvangen  -  Flåm

Icterine Warbler should have arrived by mid May.

Check farmland habitat for Whinchat.

Accommodation
Aurland

Aurland Fjordhotell

Lunde Gard & Camping

Accommodation
Gudvangen

Hemre Gard & Camping

Accommodation
Flåm

Fretheim Hotel

Fretheim Fjordhytter

Myrdøla Gjestehus

Things To Do

Fjord Tours