Herdla
Herdla is Vestland's (formerly Hordaland) top wetland. Best period is late summer and autumn, when waders are migrating. Circumstances are ideal when the weather is bad! Rain and winds from the west are the ideal conditions for finding good numbers of waders. Buff-breasted Sandpiper and Pectoral Sandpiper are more or less regular. Otherwise Lesser Yellowlegs, American and Pacific Golden Plover have been reported! Herdla's best bird is definitely White-winged Lark!
In late autumn and winter good numbers of wintering ducks are present and often geese are resting on the fields.
On days with beautiful weather it can be really quiet, but anything could turn up on Herdla.
In late autumn and winter good numbers of wintering ducks are present and often geese are resting on the fields.
On days with beautiful weather it can be really quiet, but anything could turn up on Herdla.
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 Golf course |
 me on Herdla |
Herdlevær and Breivik
 Herdlevær |
Breivik fields
 rinden on Ona |
Breivik with barnehagen in the background
seawatching point at Geitingneset
Herdlevær is one of the small islands of Øygarden. As with most of the other islands it has a short bridge to the "mainland". I had the honour to find Norway's first Dark-sided Flycatcher here. Other good finds here include Humes's Leaf Warbler, Isabelline Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Blyth's Reed Warbler, Pallas' Warbler, Black-headed Bunting and Bearded Reedling...Only a 10 minutes walk from the road one can sit comfortably at Geitingneset for seawatching!
Breivik is on the adjecent Ona. It is a blend of pastures and houses with gardens. I often combine a walk on Breivik with Herdlevær. It is good for geese in late autumn, raptors and passerines of open areas, such as larks and wheatears. Best bird here was a Trumpeter Finch!
Turøy
Turøy is one of my favourites. Small and very quiet. Best birds I have seen are Radde's Warbler, Barred Warbler and Turtle Dove. Siberian Chiffchaff and Yellow-browed Warbler are regular.
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| In this garden I found Radde's Warbler |
Hernar
Hernar may be Hordaland's best place for rarities, especially passerines (Crag Martin and Greenish Warbler being evidence of that). Lots of nice spots on this tiny isolated isle. It is only reachable with a ferry once a day. So, when on Hernar you have eight hours or so to check all very thorough.
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| northwesternmost garden |
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| riksemyren |
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