Utsira is one of the best rarity spots in northern Europe. It can be compared with Fair Isle, the Scillies, Ouessant, Helgoland and even Vlieland.
Lanceolated Warbler showing Truls Andersen
Eirik Nydal Adolfsen introduced me to the birding scene
Some autumn birds
It's fame is based on sightings of extreme rare birds, such as Siberian Accentor, Siberian Rubythroat, Siberian Thrush, Swainson's Thrush, Grey-cheeked Thrush, Thick-billed Warbler, Masked Shrike, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Myrtle Warbler and Chestnut Bunting (all passerines...). Species like Red-flanked Bluetail, Lanceolated Warbler, Pallas' Grasshopper Warbler and Subalpine Warbler (all passerines...) have been seen on several occasions. Richard's Pipit, Olive-backed Pipit, Yellow-browed Warbler, Red-breasted Flycatcher and Little Bunting (all passerines...) are common in some years. I adore passerines!!!
This is probably because Utsira is small, isolated and situated along the southwestern coast of Norway, about 16 kilometers off Haugesund.
Best time of the year is obviously autumn when thousands of birds pass the island. The first week of october is generally regarded as the best week, but may, august and september can be quite good.
Below an impression of the island.
Herberg with Varden
Footballfield
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| typical vagrant habitat |
garden at Hovden
the ringing station
Truls Andersen showing Lanceolated Warbler
Some autumn birds
Pechora Pipit
Olive-backed Pipit
Yellow-browed Warbler
Little Bunting
Red-flanked Bluetail
Red-breasted Flycatcher
Ringing produces a variety of rare species
Radde's Warbler
Lanceolated warbler
Western Bonelli's Warbler
Olive-backed Pipit
Common Kestrel
Weather can be a disadvantage, being often bad with storms and heavy rain
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Even the most fanatic twitchers struggle with the bad weather
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