Birdwatching in Verdal and Surrounding Areas

The rich birdlife in and around Verdal is remarkable, confirmed by the fact that you can visit three bird towers within a relatively small area (see PDF map for locations). The towers are within a short walking distance and will be very helpful in examining the large flocks of birds in these marvelous shores. Noteworthy though, you are actually surrounded by large industrial areas, something that would normally hold the potential of ruining the idyllic scene. Fortunately, this is soon forgotten when you immerse yourself in the biodiversity this area has to offer.

Below you will find a short description of the different protected zones around Verdalsøra.

Map over Verdal and Surrounding Areas

Bjørga Fuglefredningsområde (Bjørga Bird Reserve)
Bjørga Fuglefredningsområde, located in Tronesbukta, is an intertidal and shallow water zone with approximately 5.5 kilometers of shoreline and a bay encircled by phragmites. Generally speaking, there is forest on the southside of the bay, farmland on the eastside, and the main road (E6) with a large rest stop on the northside. Bjørga is a very good bird area all year, especially as a staging area during the migration for water birds like loons, divers, geese, ducks, and waders. Among these, it is common to see geese, ducks, and waders in large flocks. In addition, the number of Great Crested Grebes is remarkably high, especially in springtime.

Ørin Naturreservat (Ørin Nature Reserve)
Ørin and Kausmofjæra used to be two separate protected zones. These have now been combined into one, Ørin Naturreservat. Here, thousands of geese and ducks, in addition to the vast number of waders, make a suitable stopover during migration periods. Scarce migration guests, like the Greater White-fronted Goose and the Bar-tailed Godwit, are seen every year. Rarities are also frequently seen here. And do not forget to look for the passerines that are hiding in the vegetation. There are so many exciting experiences waiting for you here, especially when the berries on the common sea-buckthorn are ripe in the autumn. Ørin is also a typical moulting area for the Common Scoter, the Common Eider, and other duck species.

Helpful Information

Rinnleiret Naturreservat (Rinnleiret Nature Reserve)
Rinnleiret is one of Norway’s largest beach meadows and an area with very diverse swamp and beach vegetation, including multiple endangered and threatened plant species. In the inner parts of the area, you will find a forest dominated by grey alders. Within the reserve there is also an abundance of the common sea-buckthorn, attracting the attention of the passerines. Generally, the fauna here makes way for an incredible diversity of birds. First and foremost, this area is an exquisite staging area during the migration for ducks and waders. Even Arctic waders like Grey Plover, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Sanderling, Red Knot, and Spotted Redshank regularly visit. Many birds also spend the winter here, whereas the Mallard and the Common Eider are the most common species to do so. And to quite a great extent, in Norwegian terms, the Oystercatcher also winters this area. As nesting site for waders, this area is even more important than Ørin.

Langnes Naturreservat (Langnes Nature Reserve)
Langnes Naturreservat is located a short distance up the river Verdalselva. The grey alder and the bird cherry tree (prunus padus) dominate this riparian forest. With its rich soil and many insects, this forest holds the perfect conditions for an abundance of life, including the rich birdlife that is even more obvious during the summer season. Here you will find many passerines, and among them a talented singer, the Icterine Warbler. The Lesser Spotted Woodpecker is also a common sight.

Accommodation

Did you know …

Bird Species Seen in the Area

Pictures from Ørin and Rinnleiret

Some of the Birds by Verdal and Surrounding Areas

Rare Birds
Here are some rare birds that have been observed in and around Verdal:
Lesser White-fronted Goose, Bar-headed Goose, Snow Goose, Red-breasted Goose, Egyptian Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Mandarin Duck, American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, American Black Duck, Red-crested Pochard, King Eider, Surf Scoter, Ruddy Duck, Yellow-billed Loon, Little Egret, Great Egret, Pallid Harrier, Gyrfalcon, Corn Crake, Little Bustard, Pied Avocet, White-rumped Sandpiper, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Terek Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs, Marsh Sandpiper, Pomarine Jaeger, Little Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Iceland Gull, Glaucous Gull, Pallas’s Sandgrouse, European Turtle-Dove, Oriental Turtle-Dove, Eurasian Eagle-Owl, Snowy Owl, Eurasian Hoopoe, Richard’s Pipit, Red-throated Pipit, Black Redstart, Barred Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Bearded Reedling, Rosy Starling, Hoary Redpoll, White-winged Crossbill, Ortolan Bunting, Rustic Bunting.

Norsk Ornitologisk Forening
(in norwegian)