View across the heathland to the mountains in the west, from the boardwalk, August 2018
Overview
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.
Birds
Notable Species
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.
Check-list
Birds you can see here include:
Red-throated Diver, Golden Eagle, Hen Harrier, Rough-legged Buzzard, Common Kestrel, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Rock Ptarmigan, Willow Grouse, Common Crane, Eurasian Golden Plover, Eurasian 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, Eurasian Siskin, Northern Redpoll, Lapland Bunting, Snow Bunting
Other Wildlife
Wolverine and Reindeer, as well as a wide variety of marsh and heathland plants, trees and flowers.
Site Information
History and Use
Although this was once a major Ruff lekking site, they no longer appear to use the reserve.
Areas of Interest
The area around the railway underpass is excellent for the Red-spotted Bluethroat.
Where the stream enters the lake is a good spot for Yellow Wagtail, waders and ducks.
Access and Facilities
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.
There is a circular walk of approx 7km from the car park. Much of this path is a boardwalk over the wetter areas which, at the time of edit (2018) is being upgraded. There is a tower hide (approx 1.6 km from the car park and the lake a further 500 m).
The reserve's southern boundaries are the northern side of the E6, a short drive then to the car park.
Contact Details
Stiftelsen iNasjonalparker
c/o Norsk Villreinsenter Nord
N-2661 Hjerkinn
Norway
- E-mail: [email protected]
- Phone: +47 992 54 964 (Morten Liebe)
External Links
Maps
Content and images originally posted by Steve
