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Utsira

Rogaland  >  Norway

Small island with only 215 inhabitants on the west coast of Norway. Utsira is famous for the many rare birds that are seen here every year.

Added* by Kjetil Klovning
Most recent update 20 June 2022

Description

Utsira is a really exiting place in spring and autumn. You never know what you can find. Utsira has 333 birds on the list, many of them rare both in Norway and Europe. Utsira is a small island of only 6.2km2 that is located 10 miles from mainland Norway. The coastline is dominated by large stone blocks and small cliffs. The terrain is undulating, especially in the large outer areas on the east and west sides of the island consisting of hills with heather, grass and bog. A relatively flat valley, Siradalen, stretches from north to south and divides the island approximately in two. Here there is fertile land and meadow with some reed. Buildings are mainly located in association with the harbors in Nordvik and Sørevågen. The island has a magnetic effect on rare birds. It's not the number of birds that make the birding special, but the amount of rarities each year. Utsira holds the incredible record of 25 first findings in Norway. Best periode for mega rarities: Mid-April through mid-June and September through mid-October. For seabirds: May through October. To get an idea of the rare birds that are seen here, you can see a selection in the birdlist below. But of course, next to the rarities, many other seabirds, ducks, waders and regular birds can also be seen on the island.

In spring and autumn Utsira can bring you a kick and memory for life. The nature is mostly untouched here and you will find peace while walking around.

Details

Access

Transport to Utsira will for most mean taking the schedule boat MS Utsira from Garpaskjærkaien on Risøy in Haugesund. The route has improved over recent years and there are 3 or 4 departures per day. At times the journey can be eventful however the boat is equipped with stabilizers which compensate the rolling. The route from Haugesund passes Feøy and Røvær via Urter to Nordvik on the north end of Utsira (the boat may arrive/depart from the south end of Ustira if there are strong winds from the north). The journey takes approximately 1 hour 10 minutes. Birding on the boattrip can be rewarding with possible of Sooty Shearwater and Sabine's Gull. For the timetable of the ferry see the link below.

Terrain and Habitat

Beach , Mud flats , Agriculture , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , Sea , Reedbeds , City/village

Conditions

Open landscape

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring , Autumn migration , Spring migration

Route

Paved road , Unpaved road

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Boat

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Extra info

Before you visit it is recommended to visit the webpage of the local bird station 'Utsirafuglestasjon', where you will find more detailed information and the latest sightings. See the weblink below.

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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Comments & Tips

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