Birdwatching at Leksdalsvatnet
Leksdalsvatnet is the most important freshwater lake for birdwatching in Mid-Norway. The lake is about 12 kilometres long and located on the border between Steinkjer and Verdal municipality. The area has several richly vegetated bays, shallow areas, and river deltas, providing favourable conditions for a rich birdlife. Because of this, the area has one nature reserve and two bird reserves.
Generally speaking, Leksdalsvatnet is a popular hiking area. Fishing, cycling, running, and swimming are well-known activities in and around the lake. Therefore, your birding visit to this area should preferably be when other activities are at a lower level.
Birds at Leksdalsvatnet
At Leksdalsvatnet, you will find a great variety of birds all summer. The lake is serving as an area for resting, breeding, and moulting. Among the breeding species, you will find some that are not so common elsewhere in this part of the country. Some examples are Great Crested Grebe, Horned Grebe, Eurasian Coot, and Black-headed Gull. In addition, Shovelers, Garganeys, Common Cranes, and Little Gulls have been found breeding here many times.
Regarding migrating species, the most dominating are Whooper Swan, Greylag Goose, Pink-footed Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Eurasian Wigeon, and Eurasian Teal. And from time to time, rarer guests show up in Leksdalsvatnet. Here are some examples: Mandarin Duck, Green-winged Teal, Great Egret, Black Tern, White-winged Tern, and Bearded Reedling.
… that the first record of Ruddy Duck in Norway was in Leksdalsvatnet?
… that at Leksdalsvatnet, nearly 210 bird species has been registered?
… that in the spring of 2013, a total of 55 Little Gulls were registered in Lundselvoset nature reserve?
Bird Species Seen in the Area
Some of the Birds at Leksdalsvatnet
