Sønderjylland / Southern Jutland 

1) Flensborg Fjord and Nybøl Nor

2) Haderslev Tunnel Valley

3) Hostrup Sø, Assenholm Mose & Felsted Vestermark

4) Lindet Skov, Hønning Mose & Plantation / Lovrup Skov & Skrøp

5) Rømø / Stormengene

6) Slivsø

7) Søgård Mose

8) Sølsted Mose

9) Sønderå valley

10) Tinglev Mose 

11) The Wadden Sea + Tøndermarsken / Margrethekog polder

12) The woods around Aabenraa

13) Bankel Sø

14) Frøslev Mose

15) Frøslev Plantation

16) Mjang Dam  

 DOF Southern Jutland

Flensborg Fjord & Nybøl Nor 

Location:
This locality comprises the waters of the Danish side of the Flensborg Fjord, from the bay of Kobbermølle Bugt and the innermost reaches of Flensborg Fjord, eastwards to Pøls Rev, east of the island of Kegnæs. It also takes in the lagoon of Nybøl Nor and a series of smaller lakes in the adjacent area.

Protection/IBA Status:
The whole area has been appointed an important bird area by BirdLife International. Part of the area (3350 ha) is furthermore an EC Bird Protection Area. This comprises Nybøl Nor and the fjord between Dalsgård (south of Egernsund) and Borreshoved (on the peninsula of Broager Land).

Important Birds:
Tufted Duck, Scaup, Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser.

Habitat:
The area comprises just the waters of the fjord and the lagoon of Nybøl Nor and nearby lakes.
   
Birds and other Wildlife:
Large numbers of waterfowl can be seen in this locality. The areas around Kegnæs, the bay of Sønderborg Bugt, and south of the peninsula of Broager Land are primarily favoured by Eider, with Scoter and Long-tailed Duck in lesser numbers. There are also good chances of observing divers and Velvet Scoter.

Further along inside the fjord and in Nybøl Nor, Tufted Duck, Coot, grebes, mergansers and Goldeneye predominate, and there are also good opportunities for spotting White-tailed Eagle and Kingfisher.

The lakes are characterised by sizeable numbers of Tufted Duck (up to 6000 counted in the Gråsten lakes). In spring and autumn some dabbling ducks, including Gadwall, assemble here.  

Flocks of Greylag Goose and Whooper Swan are often seen inside the area. Keep a sharp look out, since quite often lone individuals of other species of geese can be spotted accompanying the Greylag Geese.

Visiting & Access:
Access is easy in most af the area. At Sønderhav, Egernsund, Brunsnæs, Catrinesminde, Sønderborg, and at Sønderby on Kegsnæs, it is quite possible to view the birds from public roads.
A path, known as the Gendarmsti (the Gendarmes Path), which is the former border patrol route that was used from 1920 until 1958, hugs the coast all the way. There are plenty of other opportunities for walks in the adjacent areas.
Due to the size of the area and the distances to the birds it is an advantage to bring a telescope, particularly in the outermost areas at Sønderborg Bugt and around Kegnæs.

DOF Southern Jutland

Haderslev Tunnel valley
 
Location:
The Haderslev Tunnel Valley  is a post-glacial stream trench stretching from Lillebælt in the east to the town of Vojens in the west.

Protection/IBA Status:
The area is an IBA, and Pamhule Skov and the woodland stretching nearly up to Vojens form an EC Bird Protection Area.

Important Birds:
Honey Buzzard, Red Kite, Common Tern, Kingfisher

Habitat:
Haderslev Fjord itself is a 12 km long narrow fjord surrounded by woods, meadows and farmland in a hilly moraine landscape with many lakes and streams. It is connected by a canal to the Haderslev Dam to the west of the town of Haderslev. This is a 5 km long and 500 m wide lake, the second largest in Southern Jutland. To the south, the lake is bordered by Haderslev Dyrehave (deer park), made up of woodland and pasture, and grazed by some 250 Fallow Deer and 20 Red Deer.

West of Haderslev Dam is Hindemade, a lake that has been re-established after an unsuccessful drainage project. The wood of Pamhule Skov runs down to its southern bank. This is a mixed wood of part beech, part oak, interspersed with ash and various pines. Parts of Pamhule Skov have been designated "untouched woodland", whilst forestry continues in other parts.

West of Hindemade and Pamhule Skov is the Christiansdal hydro-electric station, a pioneering water plant and museum. 1 km further upstream is the old watermill of Tørning Mølle. Both are worth visiting in their own right.

This area comprises streams, meadows, old gardens with ancient trees, and the two woods of Teglholt and Kirkekobbel, predominantly beech and ash.

West of Tørning Mølle is the wood of Sandkule Skov, and Stevning Dam, an old artificial lake established way back in the middle ages.

Birds and other Wildlife:
White-tailed Eagle (which bred successfully here in 2006) can, with a little luck, be observed from Haderslev Dyrehave, where Dronningens Udsigt (The Queen’s View) offers fine views over both Haderslev Dam and Hindemade. The Osprey is a common migrating visitor during April and September: the birds often stay over in summer. A pair of Red Kites breed in the valley and have, in 2007, been observed both at Tørning Mølle and at Christiansdal. The area supports up to 5 breeding pairs of Honey Buzzard.

On an islet in Haderslev Dam, close to the hospital, is a colony of Common Tern and Black-headed Gull.

Eagle Owl was observed at Hindemade during 2005. Kingfisher is a characteristic resident, with 8 pairs in the area. The birds have been encouraged by special nesting boxes put up for them by a local ornithologist.

Black Woodpeckers were found breeding in Teglholt Skov for the first time in 2005, but probably due to a cold spring, there were no breeding successes in 2006, and in 2007 they have moved on to another part of the valley ...

Visiting & Access:
Hindemade Lake: The easiest way of accessing Hindemade is by leaving the E45 at Junction 68 onto Route 47 towards Hammelev and following signs to Christiansdal mill. On the way is a sign to Hindemade. Drive approx 1 km along a track all the way to the lake where there is a car park. A 3 km long path leads round Hindemade with fine views over the lake. In the south-west corner, a bird observation tower offers shelter and views over a large part of the area.

It is recommended to use the map published by the Forestry and Nature Agency, which can be found at tourist offices or downloaded from: www.skovognatur.dk/Udgivelser/Vandretursfoldere/atilaa/Pamhule_Hindemade


DOF Southern Jutland

Hostrup Sø, Assenholm Mose & Felsted Vestermark

Location:   
This area is situated between the E45 and Route 170 south of Aabenraa in south-east Jutland. Large parts of the area are military exercise grounds and closed to the public, while the remainder is used for recreational purposes.

Protection/IBA Status:
The area is an EC Habitat Area and an EC Bird Protection Area, and Bjergskov common is under preservation orders. The whole area has furthermore been appointed an IBA by BirdLife International.

Important Birds:
Bittern, Honey Buzzard, White-tailed Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Spotted Crake, Crane, Wood Sandpiper, Eagle Owl, Short-eared Owl, Red-backed Shrike.

Habitat:   
The areas north and west of the lake are overgrown heath bogs with many waterlogged holes left from the peat diggings and small ponds. Round the lake and bog areas are several small woods and scrub of oak, willow and birch.
   
Birds and other Wildlife:   
The locality shelters many breeding birds, some of them relatively rare: White-tailed Eagle, Crane, Bittern, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Greylag Goose, Shoveler, Teal, Water Rail, Marsh Harrier and others. Raptors such as Honey Buzzard and Eagle Owl are observed. Amongst passerines, many Reed Warblers breed here, and species such as Willow Tit and Red-backed Shrike are also common.
During the migration season, Whooper Swan, Wigeon, Smew and Goosander can be seen, and Osprey is a regular visitor both in spring and late summer.
Apart from birds, the area is also interesting for its geology, flora and fauna.
 
Visiting and Access:   
Despite it being part of a military area, there is still access to most of the southern side of the lake. From the E45, turn off at Junction 73 and drive east through the village of Kliplev. Carry on until a road goes off to the left to Bjergskov where there is a car park. From here it is possible to overview most of the lake. Parts of the surrounding woods and the Bjergskov common are also accessible for the public. West of the lake, part of the bog area can be seen from a dirt road between Klattrup and Holm Mark, but there is no view of the open lake from here.

DOF Southern Jutland

Lindet Skov, Hønning Mose Peatland & Plantation / Lovrup Skov & Skrøp

Location:
This area is situated north and south of Route 175, between the towns of Toftlund and Skærbæk (near the west coast facing the island of Rømø). Lindet Skov, Hønning Mose and Hønning Plantation are north of Route 175, and Lovrup Skov and Lovrup Skrøp are south of the road.

Protection/IBA Status:
The whole area is an EC Bird Protection Area and an IBA. The Forest and Nature Agency manage 47 ha of Lindet Skov, 68 ha of Hønning Plantation, and 99 ha of Lovrup Skov, and have management plans for preserving most of the oak scrub found in the forest areas.

Important Birds:
Bittern, White Stork, Marsh Harrier, Corncrake, Black Tern, Short-eared Owl.

Habitat:
The woods are situated on the sands of what geologically is named the Toftlund Bakkeø (a moraine drumlin). Before the 1999 hurricane these woods were a mixture of old beech, oak and majestic pines, but more than 80% of them fell in the hurricane and only a few beech and oak trees remain now. 

Hønning Mose is a heath with boggy patches in the east and west and heather, grass and scrubland in the central part.

Lovrup Skov and Lovrup Skrøp are oak scrub and coniferous woodland, mainly pine. 

All the woods house a very varied bird, animal and plant life. Here are also remains of neolithic tombs, passage graves and dolmens, and old plantations surviving from the 1700s. West of Arrild the area comprises small farmed areas. 

Birds and other Wildlife:
Lindet Skov and Hønning Plantation house sizeable populations of Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Goshawk, Honey Buzzard and Kestrel. Montagu’s Harrier have been registered breeding here 1994-2004. A number of interesting woodland birds that have bred or still breed include Woodcock, Stock Dove, Eagle Owl, Long-eared Owl, Wryneck, Black Woodpecker, Woodlark, Mistle Thrush, Willow Tit, Short-toed Tree-creeper, Golden Oriole, Red-backed Shrike, Crossbill and Hawfinch.

Hønning Mose hosts breeding Wood Sandpiper and Little Ringed Plover. Cranes are also active in this area.

Plants such as the rare Fir Club-Moss and Wood Bitter-Vetch are found in the oak scrub in Lovrup Skov. In Hønning Plantation Yellow Birds-nest and Angular Solomon's Seal are found.  Hønning Skrøp is one of only 2 or 3 localities in Denmark where the Dusty Clearwing Moth Paranthrene tabaniformis is found.  

Visiting & Access:
Arriving from the west along Route 175 (Rømøvej) the described areas stretch north and south of the road and can be accessed using the gridded system of forestry roads. It is recommended to use the Forestry and Nature Agency's folder No. 92, which can be downloaded from www.skovognatur.dk/Udgivelser/Vandretursfoldere/atilaa/Lindet

DOF Southern Jutland
Rømø Island and Stormengene

Location:   
Stormengene (the Storm Meadows) are situated on the southern point of the island of Rømø.

Habitat:  
This 35 ha area is a unique site. North and west of the area a big sea dyke protects the rest of the island from the tides, which means that the meadows here are more or less unprotected and are flooded during winter high tides. This habitat offers the best possible conditions for a variety of wildlife and breeding birds. It consists of marshes, coastal meadows, dunes, and heath with small ponds. Cattle graze the meadows in summer. The flora here is rich and varied.

Birds and other Wildlife:  
Breeding birds include Arctic Tern, Shelduck, Eider, Oystercatcher, Redshank and Lapwing, together with passerines such as Yellow Wagtail, Lark and Meadow Pipit.

Autumn migration starts already in July. Large flocks of Golden Plover, Dunlin, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Ringed Plover, Redshank and Oystercatcher stage on the flood sands. Grey Plover, Knot, Little Stint, Black-tailed Godwit, Snipe, Spotted Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone and Lapwing appear in smaller numbers.

When autumn proper arrives, geese and duck come to forage here on the mudflats and in the meadows. Brent Goose arrive in large numbers, with smaller flocks of Pink-footed and Greylag Goose. Many Shelduck, Mallard and Eider, and some Wigeon and Teal stop over. In good weather on autumn days, raptors may pass the island’s southernmost point migrating south, for example Montagu’s, Marsh and Hen Harriers. Passerines, including Meadow Pipit and Twite, flock in the shrub and meadows during migration. Various gulls and terns pass by, for example Black-headed, Common and Herring Gull, and Arctic Tern. Large numbers of Cormorant and a few Grey Heron and Mute Swan stay on a little longer to benefit from this rich feeding ground.

Winter is a quiet time, but as soon as the days become longer again, the show recommences, Skylarks, Lapwings and Starlings being the first messengers of spring.

Visiting and Access:
To get to Stormengene cross the dam leading to Rømø and carry on south for another 13 km to Havneby. Park in Havneby itself, or follow Vesterbygade to a car park at the end of Stormengevej. From here, follow the dyke.

The Danish Forestry and Nature Agency has published a leaflet "Rømø" with a good map. This can be found at tourist offices or downloaded from: www.skovognatur.dk/Udgivelser/Vandretursfoldere/atilaa/roemoe

The best times to visit Stormengene are spring, late summer and autumn.

DOF Southern Jutland

Slivsø 
 
Location:  
Slivsø is now the third largest lake in south-east Jutland. It is situated between the two old market towns of Haderslev and Aabenraa, east of the village of Hoptrup on Route 170, and cut off from the coast by a sandbar.

Protection/IBA Status:
The area is protected by the general nature protection laws. Formerly a drained area of farming land, the lake is now being re-established, so that although the locality is not an IBA, it is being monitored to follow developments in the hopefully increasing birdlife.

Important Birds:
Corncrake

Habitat:
Slivsø is one of the lakes left behind in a sub-glacial stream trench after the last ice age. In time, tidal currents deposited sediments along the coast and turned the former salt-water fjord into a freshwater lake, cut off from the sea, and supporting a rich flora and fauna.

The lake remained this way for about 12,000 years until the 1950s, when one of the numerous drainage projects implemented in Denmark at this time emptied the lake in an effort to utilize the regained land for farming. Due to subsidance of the land, the project was unsuccessful, and eventually, in 2004, the former lake was re-established. The lake now covers 164 ha.

Birds and other Wildlife:  
Although the birdlife in and around the lake was monitored in the 1940s, it is difficult to predict which birds will return once the natural balance in the lake has been regained.

Observations from 2004 onwards include the following species: Little Grebe, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Greylag Goose, Shelduck, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Eider and Goldeneye, all of which come visiting. The same goes for Red Kite, White-tailed Eagle (from its breeding site at Bankel Sø), Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel, and a single Peregrine - staging, visiting or foraging, but not breeding at Slivsø.

However, for one species - the Corncrake - Slivsø is the best locality in the country. The Corncrake has otherwise become very rare everywhere, but due to the upgrading of many wet areas is now increasing in numbers in several places.

Golden Plovers visit in large numbers during autumn migration - as do Lapwings. Curlews come in smaller flocks. Owls are heard. An Eagle Owl has been observed. Visiting Kingfisher and Dipper have been spotted in the streams around the lake. Thrushes, pipits, some warblers and other passerines mainly pass on migration. Grasshopper Warbler, Marsh Warbler and others still breed here. It will be interesting to following developments in the years to come.

Visiting and Access:  
Arriving at the area on the E45 (either from north or south), turn off at Junction 69 and head east towards Hoptrup from where there is immediate access to Slivsø. The lake can be reached from Bræråvej where there is a car park. 9 km of marked paths surround the lake. One of the old pump stations has been turned into a bird observation tower with excellent views over the lake and all its birdlife.

If you come in summer, it may be of interest to know that Djernæs Bay is a good beach for bathing. 

DOF Southern Jutland

Søgård Mose 
 
Location:  
Søgård Mose is situated in southern Jutland half-way between Aabenraa and the German border on Route 170.

Protection/IBA Status:
Søgård Mose now belongs to DOF's Bird Protection Fund. From 1847 it belonged to the old inn, Søgård Kro, situated on the ancient drovers' road between Kolding and Rendsburg in Germany. Over the years, as part of the border troubles between Denmark and Germany the inn - and with it the bog - became the property of a local co-op, which in 1936 all came under a preservation order. In 1986 it was handed over to the Bird Protection Fund. At this time it was rather neglected, being dried out and overgrown, but since then management plans have been implemented and the bog is being re-established.

Important Birds:
Snipe, Willow Tit

Habitat:  
The locality is a heath bog with shrub of birch, willow and aspen, and some deciduous woodland on the western side. The heath area itself has suffered through lack of grazing and consequent overgrowth, but has been undergoing re-establishment over the past 20 years.

Birds and other Wildlife:  
Little Grebe, Mallard, Coot, Snipe and various passerines breed in the area - occasionally Willow Tit. A former small colony of Black-headed Gulls has disappeared over the last few years.

Roe deer and foxes can be spotted.

Visiting and Access:  
Arriving from either south or north on the E45, turn off at Junction 73, follow Route 481 eastwards through the village of Kliplev, then turn right to Søgård, where the lake and bog appear on the right. At Søgård Hus a sign shows the way along a dirt road to a car park at the reserve. Here there is a map of the area, and a box with information folders. From the car park a path leads to an obervation tower with excellent views over the bog.

DOF Southern Jutland

Sølsted Mose 
 
Location:
Sølsted Mose is situated approx 10 km north of Tønder, on either side of Route 11 south of Bredebro.

Protection/IBA Status:
Sølsted Mose partly belongs to DOF's Bird Protection Fund, which owns 77 ha, and has been carrying out a re-establishment programme since 2001. The area is not an official IBA, but the birdlife is being monitored to follow progress during the re-establishment project.

Important Birds:
Teal, Montagu's Harrier, Snipe, Wood Sandpiper, Grasshopper Warbler, Penduline Tit, Red-backed Shrike.

Habitat:  
Sølsted Mose is one of the rare southern Jutland heath bogs, part of it being a raised bog. Like most other heath and bogland areas in Denmark, it was drained and exploited for peat digging and grazing in earlier times.

This meant that the ground water level subsided, allowing trees and bushes to invade and overgrow the area. Indigenous fauna and flora disappeared and the area became a mosaic of birch, willow and rowan scrub, natural small lakes and the old pits and ponds, partly overgrown, left after the peat digging.

Reverse action has been implemented during later years, attempting, as far as is possible, to allow these heaths and bogs to revert to their natural state. The water level has been raised again, preventing tree growth, and scrub has been cut down, giving the original flora and fauna the right conditions for moving in once again. The raised bog in the middle of the heath (a rarity these days) is still "alive", and it is hoped that it will stay that way with the current efforts to regenerate the entire area.

Around the bog are grazed meadow plots used by farmers.
 
Birds and other Wildlife:  
Montagu’s Harrier and Wood Sandpiper are two of Denmark's rarest and most threatened birds. Years back, Sølsted Mose had a healthy population of these two species, together with other swamp birds that disappeared when the area was exploited. Due to the Bird Protection Fund's work, both species have returned and are successfully breeding here.

Characteristic of the open area of the bog are Snipe, Curlew, Redshank, Wood Sandpiper, Montagu’s Harrier and even Black Tern. Grasshopper Warbler, Red-backed Shrike and Whinchat are characteristic passerines. In the scrub, Willow Tit and Penduline Tit can be spotted.

Sølsted Mose is one of the places to come to listen to the trills of the Nightingale. Short-eared Owl forage over the heath, and the Bittern’s booming call can be heard, while Little Grebes and  Red-necked Grebes tend their families in the reeds. Mute Swan, Teal, Mallard, Shelduck and Greylag Goose are nearly always to be found.

With a little luck, the special phenomenon found in south Jutland can be experienced: "Sort Sol" ("Black Sun") - huge flocks of Starlings flying in swirling formation before coming down to roost for the night.

Plants of special interest are Waterlilies in the old peat-ponds, and Cotton-grass where the peat mosses have taken over. In June the flowering Bog-myrtle spreads its sweet spicy scent over the bog. On the dry patches Bilberry, Crowberry and Heather grow, whereas Bell Heather, Cotton Grass, Yellow Iris, Sundew and other rare bog plants are found in the wetter parts.

Visiting and Access:  
In the village of Sølsted, between Bredebro and Tønder, drive along Brændevej to a car park at the south end of the bog. Another access possibility is 50 m north of the Sølsted "Rasteplads" (lay-by with tables and benches) on Route 11, where a field track leads into the bog.
The best time to visit is in spring and summer. Rubber boots are practical, and mosquito repellent is a must on warm windless days.
 
DOF Southern Jutland

Sønderå valley
 
Location:
The Sønderå valley is in southern Jutland, running from east to west approx 8 km north of the German border. The IBA section of the valley stretches from Eggebæk in the east to Vindtved, approx 16 km further west, and is around 100-200 m wide, incorporating another stream, the Gammelå, which runs along the same valley before entering the Sønderå. 

Protection/IBA Status:
The area is protected by the EU Birds Directive and forms part of a larger EU Habitat Area. It has also been appointed an IBA by BirdLife International.

Important Birds:
Bittern, White Stork, Marsh Harrier, Montagu's Harrier, Corncrake, Black Tern, Short-eared Owl.
 
Habitat:
Flowing through a depression in the surrounding moraine landscape, the Sønderå winds its way westwards unregulated, except for sluices at water mills established in earlier times at Store Jyndevad and Rens, that keep the water level constant on these stretches. At Eggebæk the river is 16 m above sea level, dropping to 4 m at Vindtved, where it joins the Vindtved canal running into the Grønå river system, to carry on into the River Vidå and so on to its estuary at the Wadden Sea on the west coast.

The mill at Store Jyndevad has been converted into a hydro-electric station, whilst the mill at Rens is no longer in use, although the wheel is still intact in the old mill building. At the weir in Rens, a fish farm was established some time ago, exploiting the river water. This has since been converted into a "model" fish farm: it no longer uses the river water, and its waste water is purified before being fed back into the river. From Rens the river meanders on to the Vidå estuary.

The Sønderå slowly ambles its way through beautiful gentle slopes in the surrounding low-lying sandy farmland. Water levels change with the seasons and the vagaries of weather. In wet winters particularly, the river often swells and floods the entire river valley. This means that nutrients are deposited on the surrounding meadows, ensuring lush grazing for cattle during spring and summer, and also helping to flush out the phosphates and nitrates polluting the river.

In several places, remains of the foundations of the old canal systems can been found. These were used during summer as a method of artificial field irrigation, and bear witness to how important the river was for farming in earlier times.

The meadows around Gammelå are used extensively for cattle grazing.

Birds & other Wildlife:
Marsh Harrier have been known to breed in the valley, and Montagu's Harrier may have bred here: they are in any case often seen fouraging in the area. Short-eared Owl and White Stork have also used the meadows for fouraging in the past.

Visiting & Access:
There are good opportunities for observing the wildlife in the Sønderå valley. The road from Eggebæk to Rens run along the river valley, and many smaller roads criss-cross the area. A bike is an excellent means of transport here, and canoeing on the river (only after 15th June) can be an interesting experience.
 
DOF Southern Jutland

Tinglev Mose 

Location:  
Tinglev Mose is situated east of the village of Tinglev. The railway between Tinglev and Sønderborg runs through the bog.

Protection/IBA Status:
Tinglev Mose (together with Ulvemose and Terkelsbøl Mose which are both in the neighbourhood) has been appointed an EU Bird Protection Area, and an IBA.

Important Birds:
Bittern, Marsh Harrier, Montagu's Harrier, Crane.

Habitat:  
Tinglev Mose was created after the last ice age. It was a large shallow lake, readily exploited by man. At the beginning of the 20th century, drainage canals were cut to make peat digging and collection of firewood easier, and in the 1960s even larger drainage schemes were attempted, to regain arable land. These were unsuccessful, and efforts are now being made to restore the bog to its original state. The first stage, completed in 2003, entailed raising water levels, removing unnatural growth, reducing the amount of phosphor and nitrate in the streams, preventing ochre wash-out, and stopping the removal of underwater plants in the canals. The next stage, to be carried out over the forthcoming years, is to manage the habitat in such a way that its former state is restored: a stable habitat for birds and wildlife characteristic of bogland.

As the area appears now, it is mostly dominated by birch and willow scrub interspersed with reedbeds, and meadows with sedge and other swamp plants, many of which are quite rare.

Birds & other Wildlife:  
The sheer size of the bog and its varying biotopes offer good conditions for large numbers of birds, and about 60 different species breed here annually, most of them passerines, of which Nightingale, Penduline Tit, Grasshopper Warbler and Willow Tit are of special interest. Reed Bunting, Sedge Warbler, Mallard, Mute Swan, Teal, Water Rail and Snipe are common. Marsh Harrier, Bittern, Montagu’s Harrier, Goshawk and Raven also nest here.

More unusual birds that have been spotted here include White Stork, Crane, Whooper Swan, Garganey and Corncrake.

Visiting and Access:  
Arriving in this part of the country on the E45, turn west at road junction 73 and drive along Route 481 for about 4-5 km, then turn left towards Bajstrup/Broderup, just after the village of Bjerndrup. Signs lead to a house called "Søhuset" where there is a car park with a map and suggestions for walks in the area. South of Tinglev on the road to Sønderborg there are also signs leading to a car park with information about Tinglev Mose. The latter one is the better road, especially in winter. There are marked walks, with some stretches covered with chipped wood, and boardwalks across the wetter parts.

DOF Southern Jutland

Vadehavet / The Wadden Sea

Location:
The Wadden Sea is the south-west coastal area of Jutland, comprising islands, sandbanks and parts of the North Sea (up to a depth of 20 m) which carries on south along the German and Dutch coasts. It is one of the most important habitats for waterfowl, and indispensable to them as a stop-over whilst on their annual migrations.

Protection/IBA Status:
The whole of the Wadden Sea is protected by the so-called "Trilateral Wadden Sea Plan" adopted in 2001 by the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark. The area is also under the EU Habitats Directive and the EU Birds Directive, and has been appointed an IBA by BirdLife International.

Important Birds:
Slavonian Grebe, Cormorant, Pink-footed Goose, Greylag Goose, Barnacle Goose, Brent Goose, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Dark-bellied Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Water Rail, Pintail, Shoveler, Eider, Common Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, Goosander, Marsh Harrier, Montagu’s Harrier, Peregrine, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Knot, Sanderling, Dunlin, Ruff, Bar-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Wood Sandpiper, Turnstone, Mediterranian Gull, Little Gull, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Gull-billed Tern, Sandwich Tern, Common Tern, Arctic Tern, Little Tern, Short-eared Owl, Bluethroat, Twite, Skylark.
   
Habitat:
The Wadden Sea is a highly dynamic tidal sea and wetland area, with large fens, dykes and marsh areas as well as dunes, beaches and barrier islands.  Many streams and rivers empty out into the North Sea, passing through the marshlands. Varde Å is the last unregulated river, emptying into Ho Bugt bay, just north of Esbjerg. Altogether, the Danish part of the Wadden Sea is the least regulated and least influenced by human activity in this entire unique ecosystem.

Birds and other Wildlife:
Each of the many varied biotopes offers special conditions for the numerous breeding and migrating bird populations.  For more than 50 species of waterfowl the area is of significant importance, and it is calculated that more than 10 million individuals pass through the Wadden Sea during migration.  

At ebb tide, when the sands and silt banks lie virtually dry, thousands of waders such as Dunlin, Knot, Bar-tailed Godwit, and several species of duck and geese gather here to feed before setting out on their journeys: in spring, to breeding grounds in North Scandinavia, Siberia and Greenland; in autumn, to winter quarters further south.

The large mussel banks in the Wadden Sea are an important source of food for, amongst others, Eider and Oystercatcher. The foreland in front of the dykes and the areas behind the dykes also offer vital feeding grounds for Mallard, Wigeon, Pintail, and for Pink-footed, Brent and Barnacle Geese.

The Common Seal breeds here in the Wadden Sea. All year round - but mainly during breeding and moulting seasons - the seals rely on being able to lie undisturbed on the exposed tidal sandbanks.

Hobo Dyb, the channel between Skallingen and Langli, together with the marshes on either side, is an important staging and foraging ground for waterfowl, with its rich vegetation, worms, mussels, and many other creatures thriving in the sand, silt and mud of the seabed that is exposed at low tide.

Visiting and Access:
As the Wadden Sea is such a large area, it is obvious that there are numerous good spots for watching birds. At tourist information sites in all the towns there are leaflets available with information and recommendations.

The following localities can be recommended (going from north to south):

1) Blåvandshuk
See separate description under South-western Jutland

2) Skallingen and Langli
See separate description under South-western Jutland

3) Ho Bugt bay
See separate description under South-western Jutland

4) Fanø
From Esbjerg Harbour a small ferry takes 15 minutes to sail across to Nordby on the island of Fanø. Sønderho, the southernmost tip of the island, can be reached by a 25 minute bus ride. (Taking a car across is relatively expensive). Cycling is a good way of getting round the island to enjoy the many excellent sites for bird-watching:
- Grønningen at the north end
- a small lagoon/spit a little south of Nordby
- Skrånbjerg at the end of a dodgy gravel track with views towards Esbjerg
- the plantation, heath and dunes (for passerines and raptors)
- Hønen, the south point of Fanø, with reedbeds and coastal meadow.
A map of Fanø can be found at tourist offices or downloaded from: www.skovognatur.dk/Udgivelser/Vandretursfoldere/atilaa/fanoe

5) Ribe
Ancient capital of Denmark, with its quaint narrow streets, Viking Museum, excellent pubs, shops and cathedral. Here it may be possible to see a pair of storks nesting in the middle of the town.

6) Kammerslusen
A sluice gate where Ribe Å runs out into the sea, with views out over the Wadden Sea. For a leisurely tour, take a trip on one of the small boats sailing from the harbour in Ribe.

7) Mandø
See separate description under South-western Jutland

8) Rømø and Strandengene
See separate description below under "Sublocalities"

9) Tønder Marsken
See separate description below under "Sublocalities"

10) Margrethe Kog
See separate description below under "Sublocalities"

Habitat:   
Tøndermarsken is the common denomination for 8 polders, each with its own name - for example Højer Kog and Tønder Kog. The oldest still existing dyke is from 1553. The marsh is part of the very fertile flat and low-lying land stretching along the North Sea coast from Esbjerg and as far as Holland. A unique cultured landscape, still more or less run the old traditional way with cattle grazing. However, during later years, a good deal of controversy has arisen between nature conservation organisations and forces keen on using modern intensive farming methods.
   
The locality is characterised by extensive marshland, most of which is grassland. There are lakes and streams, reedbeds and meadows. 300 km of canals and ditches run through the polders.
The sites of greatest ornithological interest are Magisterkog, Rudbøl Kog, Gammel (Old) Frederikskog and Ny (New) Frederikskog and the river Vidå.

Birds and other Wildlife:   
Tøndermarsken is still one of Denmark’s richest bird localities in spite of a pronounced fall in the populations of especially meadow birds.

On the Magisterkog polder just north of the German border, east of Rudbøl, breeding birds include Bittern, Greylag Goose, Gadwall, Spoonbill, Marsh Harrier, Spotted Crake, Savi’s Warbler and Bluethroat, as well as all common swamp birds.

Further west towards the sea, the landscape hosts breeding Marsh Harrier, Montagu’s Harrier, Garganey, Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Black Tern, Yellow Wagtail and many other meadow birds.

The area is renowned for the numbers of migrating waterfowl that congregate here. Geese come in their thousands, among them Barnacle Goose, Pink-footed Goose, Greylag Goose and White-fronted Goose. All the species of ducks and waders found in Denmark can be seen in this locality throughout the year.

Raptors that regularly visit the area include Peregrine, Merlin, Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier and White-tailed Eagle, whilst large flocks of passerines such as thrushes, pipits, wagtails, larks, swallows and finches enliven the landscape.

Another spectacular phenomenon to be seen here, and which attracts nature enthusiasts from far and wide, is the sight of huge flocks of Starling settling to roost in the reedbeds at twilight in spring and autumn.

In winter, large numbers of Whooper Swan, Bewick’s Swan and Canada Goose visit the area, as well as arctic species such as Shore Lark, Snow Bunting, Twite and Lapland Bunting.

Visiting and Access:
There are good possibilities for parking at Møllehus, Rudbøl, Siltoft, Højer Sluse and the sluice at Vidå. As the area is really extensive, it is best to move around by car or bike. There are many walks in the area too. The best places from which to obtain good views of the tidal beaches, marshes and polders are from the dykes. Be prepared for some traffic restrictions and the possibility of some areas being closed to the public during the breeding season.

Always remember to carry a passport when visiting Tøndermarsken, as it may be tempting to cross the border into Germany.

Margrethe Kog

Location:  
Margrethe Kog is situated in the furthest south-west corner of Denmark, with Højer at the north end, the Wadden Sea to the west, the German border to the south, and the old Højer Sea Dyke to the east.

Habitat :
Margrethe Kog was created in connection with the construction of "the Advanced Dyke". This is a special dyke, constructed in the sea in 1981 (in contrast to the usual method of constructing dykes on already existing land). It was built to protect the polders, villages and towns inland behind it, which had suffered from flooding for centuries previously. Since its construction, new marshland has built up both inside and outside the dyke. One third of the polder is covered by a salt water lake whilst the remaining marshland is grazed by sheep. There are also some smaller lakes, canals, clay pits, and a water reservoir.

Birds and other Wildlife:  
Margrethe Kog is worth a visit at any time of the year. During winter, geese and ducks gather here, and there is a good chance of spotting raptors such as White-tailed Eagle, Peregrine and Merlin. Other winter visitors include Shore Lark, Twite, Snow Bunting and occasionally Lapland Bunting.

During spring and autumn huge numbers of geese, ducks and waders forage here on migration. During the summer months many breeding birds can be observed, as well as staging waders.

Margrethe Kog is well-known for the huge numbers of Barnacle Goose that congregate here - up to 60,000 have been seen in one day - the norm being about 20,000. The biggest flocks can be found from mid-March until the end of April, and again in early September until the end of October. Red-breasted Geese are spotted almost every year (the best chance being in spring). They mingle with the Barnacle Geese, but even though they are quite colourful, they are incredibly difficult to identify in the huge flocks.

All the common waders are seen in Margrethe Kog and there are good possibilities of finding some of the less common species such as Kentish Plover, Broad-billed Sandpiper or Red-necked Phalarope. The best time for spotting waders is May/June and August/September. It is also an advantage to visit during high tide, as most waders move out to the water’s edge at low tide (which can be quite far away).

It is not unknown for rarities to show up here. Some of the most recent have been Gyrfalcon, Greater Sand Plover, Ring-billed Gull and Citrine Wagtail.
   
Visiting and Access :
Whether arriving via Ribe or from Tønder on route 419, head for Højer. In the town there are signposts to Vidåslusen (sluice). Head south out of the town and then west to the sluice where there is a car park. An Information Centre next to the car park may be of interest. At the top of the dyke there are good views over both the northern part of Margrethe Kog and over the Wadden Sea in front of the dyke.

From the sluice it is possible to walk south about 3.5 km on the track running along the inner side of the dyke, where one can often get quite close to the birds. At a few places one can climb up onto the dyke for a better view.

NOTE : No access is permitted into this area except by this track. 

Alternatively, one can continue southwards from Højer, on the road leading to Siltoft. Here are two places one can climb up onto the dyke on the eastern side of Margrethe Kog. The first is a little south of the Vidå river. A road just past a group of houses leads westwards to the dyke. Stop the car below the dyke and tiptoe up to look.

The other place is approx 3 km south of the river, where a road leads off from a small cross-roads, west towards the dyke. There is a big gate barring the road. (Please remember to close it behind you.) Park below the dyke and, again, creep up onto the top to look out over the clay pits west of the dyke. Real caution is needed so as not to risk disturbing the flocks of birds that may be on the other side of the dyke.

Finally, one can carry on further south crossing the border at Siltoft. Although there is no border control, a passport should be carried. Drive west out into the polder itself. The road which follows the border separates Margrethe Kog from the polder of Rickelsbüller Koog on the German side. Here one can often get really close to the birds - particularly by staying inside one's car. About half-way out there is a bird hide on the German side, and at the end of the road it is a good idea to go up onto the dyke for views out over the Wadden Sea. One can also walk south along the dyke, with views over Rickelsbüller Koog.

The woods around Aabenraa

Location:      
The woods in this locality are clustered round the old market town of Aabenraa. The woods vary in size and each has its own name: Langbjerg Skov, Årup Skov, Rise Skov, Søst Skov, Jørgensgård Skov, Hjelm Skov and Sønderskov. Almost all the area lies to the east of the E45 motorway. At Jørgensgård Wood north-east of Aabenraa the forest reaches down to the beach, whereas all the other woods lie back from the fjord. Bolderslev Wood, west of the motorway, is well known for its botanic rarities.

Habitat:  
The area's glacial moraine landscape formed when the last ice cap withdrew approx 12 - 15,000 years ago, leaving earth, sand, rubble and stones, forming hills, dales, steep slopes, streams and fjords, which still characterize the present landscape.

The woods are dominated by deciduous oak, beech, and ash, but there is also common spruce, and alder along the streams. Ponds form here and there in the woodland, and along the streams there are a few ponds formed by dams. Woodland meadows and open grass areas offer good sites along the wood margins for many birds, including Buzzard and Tawny Owl.

Birds and other Wildlife:  
All the common woodland species are seen here, including all the tits found in Denmark and Treecreepers. Several pairs of Firecrest breed annually. Black Woodpecker is seen regularly and some years Green Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Stock Dove and Grey Wagtail are spotted. Several pairs of Raven breed here, as well as Goshawk and Honey Buzzard, and amongst the rarer species, Red Kite and Eagle Owl both have been breeding here regularly over a number of years. During winter the Dipper can be observed along the streams: the best place is Mølleåen upstream from Nymølle.     

Visiting and Access:  
From the E45 between Junctions 70 and 71, Route 24 leads towards Aabenraa. There is also access to the woods from several other major and minor roads. The Forestry and Nature Agency has published a folder about the area, with nature trails and other information, available at  Tourist Information offices and noticeboards in the area, or from www.skovognatur.dk/Udgivelser/Vandretursfoldere/atilaa/Aabenraa.  
 
DOF  Southern Jutland

Bankel Sø

Location:   
Bankel Sø, a privately owned lake, is situated on Haderslev Promontory, south-east of the town of Haderslev and north of the village of Halk.

Habitat:  
Bankel Sø was originally a tidal cove, cut off from the sea by sediments and undergrowth. Its shallow waters are supplied from a couple of streams and seepage from the surrounding hills. At its eastern end it empties out into the Lillebælt. The waters are mainly fresh, but at times salt water percolates in from the Lillebælt, making the water brackish. Mussels and seaweed can actually thrive here. North and north-west of the lake, low-lying meadows are used for cattle grazing, whereas the higher ground is used as arable farmland. South and south-west of the lake, steep slopes and ravines dominate the hilly moraine landscape, and nearby there are three small woods. A narrow bed of reeds surrounds the lake. On the west side of the lake is an alder swamp and, on the promontory, mature trees flank the shoreline.

Birds and other Wildlife:  
Birdlife on and around Bankel Sø is renowned, not least since a pair of White-tailed Eagles settled here in 1995, and successfully bred the following year. Together with another pair at Hostrup lake, further to the south, this marked the return of the White-tailed Eagle to Denmark, after an absence of 80 years. The birds at Bankel Sø bred successfully from 1996 - 2002, but for some reason, not in 2003. The birds still remain in the area, however.

Even without the eagles, Bankel is a fine bird locality and 160-170 species have been observed in the surrounding area.    

Breeding birds around the lake include Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Shelduck, Coot and Crested Grebe. In the reedbeds Marsh Warbler, Reed Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler and - unusual for the east coast - Sedge Warbler can be heard in the immediate vicinity of the lake. Redshank, Oystercatcher and Red-breasted Merganser presumably breed along the banks of the lake. In the Bird Reserve on the coastal meadows east of the lake there is a colony of Arctic Tern and a small colony of Avocet. Redshank, Lapwing and Oystercatcher also breed here. Little Tern used to breed here, but none have been recorded in recent years. Many birds forage on the lake.

During summer Bankel is an important moulting site for Mute Swans - up to 900 gather here in late summer. 6-10 pairs of Mute Swans actually breed here, and many more forage here throughout the year. The lake also attracts a considerable number of Herons.
   
The numbers of migrating and overwintering birds vary with wind and weather, but when conditions are favourable, they are abundant. Bankel is an excellent site for observing Smew, Goosander, Goldeneye, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Wigeon, and Teal, which gather here in numbers of up to 5,000 - 6,000 regularly. It is not unusual for around 2,000 Greylag Geese to alight here for the night. On the rape fields around Bankel, Whooper Swan start arriving in late autumn, gradually reaching numbers of 500 - 600. The lake serves as their night roost as long as it is ice-free. It is a wonderful experience to hear them calling on a clear, frosty evening in February.

Little Grebe, Crested Grebe, Coot and various gulls visit the lake in large numbers. Slavonian Grebe is often observed, as is Black-necked Grebe, which has probably been breeding here occasionally. In hard winters, Canada Goose turn up. Cormorant used to be common, but since the White-tailed Eagle arrived, most give Bankel a pass!

Migrating raptors include Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Goshawk, Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier and Red Kite, which are seen both in spring and autumn. Osprey are mostly observed during spring migration. During both spring and autumn migration, sizeable flocks of Golden Plover, Curlew, Lapwing and Dunlin pass. Other waders are seen in smaller numbers. Common Sandpiper is more than common in spring, particularly on the western bank of the lake. The coast east of the lake is a good fishing ground for Sandwich Tern. From the coast, depending on the right wind direction, big flocks of Eider and Long-tailed Duck can be seen.

Visiting and Access:
From the E45 at Junction 68, follow route 47 to Haderslev and turn right along Route 170. Any of the smaller roads running east off Route 170 will lead to the villages of Halk or Hyrup.

As mentioned, Bankel is a private lake, and the only place one can gain direct access to the lakeside is from Hyrup. At all other places it is prohibited to cross the fields to the lake.

The coastal meadows east of the lake are a Bird Reserve and access is prohibited from 15th March until 15th July.

There are four spots from which one can view the area:

-  From Halk village, take the road leading to the farm of Bukholm. From here, a dirt road leads down towards the lake and on to the coastal meadows at Nørre Halk. It is impossible to turn a car on the dirt road, so walk from Bukholm. This spot is recommended in the morning, with the sun in the east. - The highest drumlins south-west of the lake (called "Schöne Aussicht" which is German for "Lovely view") offer a good view over most of the lake. To get here, drive from Halk along Bankelvej or Tværbjerg as far as a large oak tree with a bench (and the view). However, in order not to disturb the White-tailed Eagles, it is not allowed to descend the slope to the lake.
- East of Hyrup a winding dirt road leads towards the lake, from where there is a good view over almost all the area. But as in the case with the dirt road at Bukholm it is best to park and walk the remaing kilometer to the shore of the lake.
- The beach meadows can, as mentioned, be seen from Bukholm, but also from Tagmosevej on the north side of the lake. The road is closed to vehicles for the last kilometer.

The beach at Flovt Sande is incidentally one of the best for bathing in the area, and is open all year round except for the part forming the Bird Reserve.
 
DOF Southern Jutland

Frøslev Mose

Location:  
Frøslev Mose spreads over the Danish/German border. The German section is named Jardelund Moor. The bog is adjacent to Frøslev Plantation towards the north-east (see below).

Habitat: 
Frøslev Mose developed at the end of the last ice-age (12,000 years ago), when melt rivers cutting sub-glacial stream trenches left sandy sediments and lakes. The shallow lakes and ponds first filled up with reedbeds, later with bog moss, whereby the present raised bog with its deep layers of peat was created, 2,000 - 3,000 years ago.

The area has always been exploited by man, but in 1985 the area came under preservation orders, and a lot of effort is currently being invested by both Danish and German Nature Management authorities towards re-establishing this very special landscape. Year by year, conditions are improving for the area’s natural flora and fauna. The bog has been appointed an EU Bird Protection Area.

The central area of the bog is peaty, hence lacking nutrition, but the surrounding meadows are fertile and used for cattle grazing. Small woods and patches of scrub are dotted around the landscape. The wettest part of the bog, with many old peat diggings, is on the German side, and it is here waterfowl can be observed. Large meadows, canals and small water-holes characterise the northern Danish part, where birds of the open land dominate.            

Birds and other Wildlife:  
The most spectacular summer residents are a pair of Cranes which can be seen from March to September. The most characteristic breeding birds are Greylag Goose, Mallard, Teal, Snipe (perhaps the biggest population of southern Jutland), Marsh Harrier, Red-backed Shrike, Willow Tit, Whinchat, Stonechat (4-6 pairs annually), Grasshopper Warbler, Meadow Pipit and Reed Bunting. Migratory guests include Great Grey Shrike and Hen Harrier. Buzzard, Goshawk, Kestrel and Raven are seen and at night owls are heard. Black Woodpecker is an occasional visitor.

Other wildlife includes Red Deer, Roe Deer, Fallow Deer, Fox and Badger. Musk-Rat come visiting from the German side. Adders are common.
   
Visiting and Access:  
Frøslev Mose can be reached from the east by driving through Frøslev Plantation along Pluskærvej and turning off south-west along Ladevej. At the end of the road is a car park and an information centre. There is also access from the German side. Several paths lead round Frøslev Mose.

DOF Southern Jutland 

Frøslev Plantation
Location:  
Frøslev Plantation is in south-east Jutland, immediately west of Padborg, and just north of the German border.

Habitat:  
At the end of the last ice age, glacial melt water deposits on the edge of the ice cap left sandy sediments creating mobile inland dunes with drifting sands. Frøslev Plantation was established in 1873 to stabilise these shifting sands. The trees are mainly common spruce, but during the past 30 years patches of deciduous wood have been added, to replace elderly trees blown over in a 1967 storm. Some areas are covered with self-sown deciduous trees, bushes and oak scrub. Several openings reveal heath and sand dunes. The biggest is Finkehede - a beautiful area in the northern part of the plantation. In the eastern area are some small bogs.

Birds and other Wildlife:  
The coniferous wood on the sandy soil offers a particularly good habitat for all the more common pinewood birds, such as Goldcrest, Crested Tit and Crossbill. Occasionally the rarer Black Woodpecker, Firecrest and Sisken are observed. Turtle Dove and Willow Tit can also be spotted.

Other varieties which normally belong in deciduous woodland, such as Tawny Owl, Long-eared Owl, Raven, Goshawk, and even Honey Buzzard, are residents here.

Visiting and Access:  
The area can be reached from either south or north on the E45. Junction 76 is virtually in the plantation. Another 1½ km north, at Junction 77, there is a cafeteria and several paths accessing the wood. 2 roads further north lead off west to Frøslevlejren where information folders are available, showing the many paths criss-crossing the plantation. The folders can also be downloaded from www.skovognatur.dk/Udgivelser/Vandretursfoldere/atilaa/Froeslev

DOF Southern Jutland

Mjang Dam
Location:  
The lake of Mjang Dam is situated approx 2 km east of Augustenborg on the island of Als.

Habitat:  
The lake is surrounded by wide reedbeds, bog and meadow, in an otherwise relatively flat area of farmland. In the Viking age, a thousand years ago, Augustenborg fjord cut much further into the countryside, and Mjang Dam was part of the fjord. Now most of the lake is covered by a large dense reedbed, which only recently has been intensively harvested. The actual lake with open water lies at the eastern end. From here a channel leads out to the sea, joining up with other channels running through the reedbeds.

Two areas, not open to the public, comprise meadows with several small copses that skirt the lake’s southern side, and the eastern end, where there is a bog overgrown with extensive alder and willow.   

Birds and other Wildlife:  
Mjang Dam supports a prolific birdlife. Birds breeding in the reedbeds include 3 pairs of Marsh Harriers, 5 to 15 pairs of Water Rail, several Bearded Tits, and an unknown number of Coots. 3 to 4 pairs of Snipe, the odd pair of Sedge Warblers, and approx 5 pairs of Marsh Warbler are also known to breed. The reedbeds also offer cover for Greylag Geese. 10 - 15 pairs breed here.

In the undergrowth around the lake 5 to 10 pairs of Nightingale breed, with various other warblers, the odd Penduline Tit and Long-tailed Tit. Some years either Savi’s Warbler or Grasshopper Warbler are residents. Around the open water of the lake 5-10 pairs of Great Crested Grebe breed,  together with Mute Swan, Mallard, Spoonbill (5-8 pairs) and occasionally Tufted Duck and Shelduck.

At dusk one can, with luck, see Tawny Owls and Barn Owls hunting. Both breed in the vicinity of Mjang Dam.

During the migration season there is a chance of observing many more species in the Mjang Dam area: White-tailed Eagle, Peregrine, Red Kite, Montagu’s Harrier, Hen Harrier, White Stork, Crane, Bittern, Egyptian Goose, River Warbler, Spotted Crake and Quail have all been observed here.

A number of duck winter on the lake. The most spectacular visitors in winter time are the 1,000 - 2,000 Greylag Geese gathering on the adjoining fields and meadows. The flocks often include White-fronted Goose and Barnacle Goose. Bean Goose, Tundra Bean Goose, Pink-footed Goose and Bar-headed Goose have also been observed. Whooper Swan frequently turn up during winter months, and often around 50 of them can be seen in the lake or on the adjoining fields east of the lake.

Visiting and Access:  
Coming by car on the E45 from either south (turn off at Junction 75) or north (turn off at Junction 71), follow signs to Sønderborg/Augustenborg. Park at "Bro rasteplads" or on the old road to Bro from the south-west side of the lake, that is now closed off.

From both these places paths lead across a golf course down to the lake. The southern path takes one past a small pond where Nightingale sing during spring. The northern path leads to the reed-cutting area, but this is rather low-lying, and views are not very good. From here, there is also a path through the golf course along the north side of the lake, but again the views over the lake are not very impressive.

However, conditions may improve if plans for erecting a bird observation tower go through.