Fokstumyra Nature Reserve

Fokstumyra Nature Reserve Norway

A long-established sanctuary for birds and one of the most popular birding sites in Norway this is a small area of marshland in the valley of the Foksai River, close to both Rondane and Dovrefjell National Parks. As well as marshes there are patches of birch woodland and scrub and high ground in the immediate area.

Birders are attracted by the range of breeding birds and waders in particular. Golden Plover and Northern Lapwing, Ruff, Whimbrel, Temminck's Stint and Purple Sandpiper all breed but the major draw for many is breeding Great Snipe. Common Crane is usually present, other breeders include Common Gull, Red-necked Phalarope and Red-throated Diver on the lakes and Hen Harrier.

The higher peaks surrounding the reserve have Rock Ptarmigan, Rough-legged Buzzard and Peregrine Falcon, Eurasian Dotterel, Lapland Bunting, Snow Bunting and Horned Lark. In wooded and scrubby areas there are Northern Redpoll, Siskin and Brambling, Bluethroat, Fieldfare, Ring Ouzel and Great Grey Shrike.

To visit this nature reserve requires a permit, available from the warden, close to the Fokstua railway station, just outside the reserve. Much of the reserve can be seen from the road and there is open access to the surrounding area. The area is easily reached by road or rail.

Birds

Birds you can see here include:

Red-throated Diver, Hen Harrier, Rough-legged Buzzard, Common Kestrel, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Ptarmigan, Willow Grouse, Common Crane, Golden Plover, Dotterel, Northern Lapwing, Temminck's Stint, Purple Sandpiper, Dunlin, Ruff, Common Snipe, Great Snipe, Whimbrel, Common Redshank, Wood Sandpiper, Red-necked Phalarope, Short-eared Owl, Common Gull, Horned Lark, Grey-headed Wagtail, Common Dipper, Bluethroat, Ring Ouzel, Fieldfare, Redwing, Great Grey Shrike, Brambling, Siskin, Northern Redpoll, Lapland Bunting, Snow Bunting

Content and images originally posted by Steve