Østjylland / Eastern Jutland

1) Anholt

2) Begtrup Vig and coastal meadows

3) Bjerregrav Mose

4) Brabrand Sø & Årslev Engsø

5) Bølling Sø

6) Dystrup-Ramten Søerne & Huldremosen

7) Vorup Enge

8) Alrø

9) Knudssø, Birksø & Julsø

10) Mossø

11) Mørke Kær

12) Norsminde Fjord

13) Salten Langsø

14) Velling Skov and Snabegård Skov

15) Stavns Fjord, Samsø

16) Stubbe Sø

Anholt

Location:      
Anholt is one of Denmark’s numerous small islands. It is situated in the middle of the Kattegat between Zealand, Funen and Jutland, and covers an area of 22 km2.

Protection/IBA Status:
Most of the island is under a preservation order, and Totten (the north-east end of the island) has been appointed a seal reserve, with no public access all year round. Furthermore, the sea north of Anholt has been appointed a Ramsar Area and an EU Bird Protection Area due to the internationally significant numbers of Scoter and Eider that stage here. The same marine area has also been appointed an EU Habitat Area because of its population of Grey and Common Seals. The island has been appointed an international IBA.

Important Birds:
Lesser Black-backed Gull, Little Tern, Nightjar, Tawny Pipit, Red-backed Shrike.

Habitat:
The most remarkable natural phenomenon on the island is the area known as "Ørkenen" (which literally means “the desert”) - an extense of dunes, sands and heath, containing Northern Europe’s largest lichen heath.  There are two small plantations of mountain pine in Ørkenen. One is called Hermannsgave, the other is at Totten. Almost all of Anholt is surrounded by sandy beaches.   

In 1902 a harbour was built for the town of Anholt which created shelter north of the town, causing sand and other sediments to settle. In time, this became an area with a wide beach, sand-banks created by the sea, inlets, reedbeds, swamps and coastal meadows. It is now known as "Flakket".

Birds and other Wildlife:   
The sea around Anholt is of vital importance for large numbers of duck which winter here. On aerial counts, up to 100,000 Eider and 20,000 Common Scoter have been observed. The biggest concentrations are normally found at the North West reef. 

On the island itself - in Ørkenen, Nordstrand and Flakket - there are important breeding populations of especially Little Tern and Tawny Pipit. There is also one of the largest colonies of Lesser Black-backed Gull in the country and smaller colonies of Common Gull, Black-headed Gull, Common Tern and Arctic Tern. Herring Gull and Great Black-backed Gull also breed. Nightjar and Red-backed Shrike can be found inland.

A great number of birds of all kinds have been observed on the island: approx 150 different species. Rarities have included Great White Heron and Great Reed Warbler.

Visiting and Access:       
A ferry from the Stena Line terminal (tlf. 86323600) in Grenå (on the eastern coast of the peninsula of Djursland) has a regular service to Anholt. The crossing takes 2½ hours. Public access on foot is allowed all over Ørkenen, except on Totten (the north-east end of the island). Visitors should avoid entering the central and eastern areas during the birds’ breeding period - it can anyhow be extremely unpleasant to walk through the gull colonies. No motorized vehicles are allowed in Ørkenen. It is recommended to walk along the beaches as a general rule.

Begtrup Vig and coastal meadows

 

The islet of Rønnen with the many breeding gulls 

Location:      
The bay of Begtrup Vig is situated on the Djursland peninsula between Mols and Helgenæs. It is bordered on the east by a narrow strip of land called Dragsmur where there is a restaurant/cafeteria with a good view.

Protection/IBA Status:
Begtrup Vig and the coastal areas around the western and southern shores of the peninsula of Helgenæs have been appointed an EU Habitat area. The islet of Rønnen and Dragsmur are nature reserves owned by the Danish State. There is no access to Rønnen between 01.03. to 01.07. Begtrup Vig itself has been pinpointed as an IBA by the local division of DOF.

Important Birds:
Mute Swan, Eider, Red-breasted Merganser, Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull.

Habitat:      
The entire area was formed during the last ice age. Drumlins around the bay offer good views over the area. The innermost part of the bay from Rønnen to Stavsøre on Helgenæs is a shallow water area, with lagoons and stony beaches with characteristic vegetation, surrounded by fields and meadows with grazing cattle. The area north of Begtrup is primarily built up with holiday bungalows. The area north of Rønnen is coastal meadow with either fresh or brackish ponds, and swamps with reedbeds (approx 19 ha). The grassy islet of Rønnen itself is topped by the ruins of a fisherman’s hut. 

Birds and other Wildlife:       
The islet of Rønnen offers shelter for breeding ducks, waders, gulls and terns (Common, Arctic and Little Tern - Sandwich Tern used to breed here but has now disappeared). Ducks, waders and Grey Heron use the meadows and shore on the north coast of the bay for resting and foraging. The coastal meadows here were one of the last places in Eastern Jutland where the southern race of Dunlin Calidris alpina schinzii used to breed. Other birds observed regularly around the bay are Ringed Plover, Meadow Pipit, Common Snipe, Redshank and Moorhen.
 
Visiting and Access:      
From Rønde, turn south at the top of the town, following signs to Mols. Follow the road leading through Vrinners and Knebel and turn off towards Strands. From here, a small road leads to the holiday bungalow colony and a car park near the beach, from where it is possible to walk along the shore eastwards for a view across to the islet of Rønnen. The road between Strands and Begtrup offers good views over the area, and there is a fine look-out point on the top of the hillock at Dragsmur, where there is also a car park.

The area is included in the Forestry and Nature Agency's map of Helgenæs, available from tourist offices or from their website on: www.skovognatur.dk/Udgivelser/Vandretursfoldere/atilaa/Helgenaes

 
One of the bog’s largest water holes. Photo: Benny Kristensen 

Location:          
The bog of Bjerregrav Mose is situated north-west of Randers. Together with meadows and bogs at Sønderbæk, Sønderhede and around Østerkær south of Fårup - all of which are found along Skals Å - it forms the largest unbroken stretch of wetland in East Jutland.

Protection/IBA Status:
Almost the entire area is covered by the Danish general Nature Protection law, and it has been appointed an IBA of national importance because of a number of rare breeding birds.

Important Birds:
Bittern, Marsh Harrier, Redshank, Common Tern, Grasshopper Warbler, Penduline Tit.

Habitat:          
This relatively inaccessible area, which can be entered by only a few farm tracks, is a mosaic of (privately owned) fields under the plough, pasture, hay meadows, scrub and peat bogs, with large tracts of wetland and lakes. Apart from farming, the area is also used for fishing and duck shooting.

Birds and other Wildlife:      
Bjerregrav Mose is one of the most important breeding sites in Denmark for Penduline Tit. The reedbeds and surrounding vegetation also house Bittern, Water Rail, Grasshopper Warbler, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler and Reed Bunting. Nightingale, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Wren are abundant. Crested Grebe breed here, and there is a small colony of Grey Heron. Marsh Harrier and Osprey can be seen over the reedbeds and lakes. Altogether, 157 bird species have been identified in the area.

Visiting and Access :   
Driving north from Randers on the E45, turn off at Junction 39 and follow Route 29 for 2 - 3 km, then turn left towards Bjerregrav. Alternatively, a little further along Route 29, turn left towards Kousted, then search out farm tracks leading to the bogs.

Brabrand Sø & Årslev Engsø

 

View over Brabrand Sø. Photo: Anders Horsten 

Location:            
This area is situated immediately west of Århus. It consists of the two lakes Brabrand Sø and Årslev Engsø which lie in a sub-glacial stream trench. The lakes are connected to each other by Århus Å.

Protection/IBA Status:
Brabrand Sø and the adjacent land came under a preservation order in 1959 and were later appointed an EU Habitat area due to their variety of special woodland: beech, oak, alder and ash, with streams, lakes and springs. 

Important Birds:
Red-necked Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Cormorant, Marsh Harrier, Corncrake, Black-headed Gull.  

Habitat:        
Brabrand Sø (153 ha) is shallow with an average depth of 0.85 m, the deepest spot being 2.7 m. It is surrounded by reedbeds and wet meadows. During summer, patches of the lake are covered by floating islands of water-lily and by softstem bullrushes.

Årslev Engsø (100 ha) was established in 2003. The wet meadows in the area were flooded by diverting water from the two streams Århus Å and Lyngbygårds Å, creating a new shallow lake with a maximum depth of 2 m.                    

Both lakes are popular recreational areas for the population of Århus, and are readily accessible, with pathways established around the lakes (10 km around Brabrand Sø and 8 km around Årslev Engsø) with several observation towers offering fine views over the lakes.              

Some hunting takes place on the privately owned land near the lakes and fishing in the streams. In Brabrand Sø some trap fishing also occurs.

Birds and other Wildlife:       
The birdlife at Brabrand Sø is typical for a nutritious shallow lake. A colony of Black-headed Gull is apparent at first sight. Other species to be seen are Great Crested Grebe, Greylag Goose, Tufted Duck, Pochard and Grey Heron. Black-necked Grebe, mustering approx 50 pairs in 2005, are characteristic. A couple of pairs of Marsh Harrier regularly breed here and in the odd spot one finds breeding Penduline Tit and Bearded Tit. Kingfisher are often seen during the breeding season.

During spring and autumn a big show of passage ducks can be enjoyed - primarily on the wet meadows at Døde Å (“Dead River”) - where the odd wader and Greylag Goose are also seen.  During winter, Goosander congregate on the lake while Whooper Swan and Kingfisher favour the meadows round Døde Å.                    

Årslev Engsø is still a very young lake with birdlife changing from year to year. From the start, many Red-necked Grebe and Black-necked Grebe bred here, but have now been replaced by Crested Grebe. Greylag Goose, Shelduck, Shoveller, Redshank and Lapwing all breed in the area at present. It will be interesting to follow developments.

During migration periods, many species stop over here for a short while. Virtually all dabbling ducks are present both spring and autumn. A wide variety of waders show up, with Wood Sandpiper and Temminck’s Stint especially creating attention. Furthermore, the lake regularly attracts more uncommon species such as Peregrine Falcon, Little Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Black Tern, Caspian Tern and Water Pipit.

In particular for the “twitchers” benefit some really thrilling hits have turned up, for example  Green-winged Teal and Pectoral Sandpiper were seen flying over Årslev Engsø in late March 2006. During winter, more or less the same species are seen here as in and around Brabrand Sø.

Visiting and Access:   
As mentioned, both lakes are easily accessible -  the paths surrounding them actually start in the centre of Århus. By car, one can reach Brabrand Sø via the suburban areas north and south of the lake or from the car park at Søskovvej at the western end of the lake. This is also a good spot from which to start off on a walk around Årslev Engsø. There is also access to Årslev Engsø from a car park at Skibbyvej on the north side of the lake and from another car park near Constantinsborg south of the lake.   

Bølling Sø

 

Whooper Swans 2007. Photo: Carsten G. Laursen 

Location:          
Bølling Sø is a recently re-established lake, approx. 10 km west of Silkeborg. It lies on the watershed of the Jutlandish Ridge, 67 metres above sea level (which is high up for Denmark), where it took shape 10,000 years ago, after the last ice age.

Protection/IBA Status:
The lake and surrounds (in total 835 ha) were made a conservation area in 2001. The area is protected by the general Nature Protection laws. Apart from some land in the north-west corner, the area is owned by the Danish State. Bølling Sø is not an international IBA, but DOF has decided to monitor its birdlife in detail as it is a re-established lake, which means that the list of birds being registered is quite a long one. The area under observation corresponds to the conservation area.

Important Birds:
Whooper Swan, Greylag Goose, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Rough-legged Buzzard, Kestrel, Snipe, Tawny Owl, Long-eared Owl, Short-eared Owl, Whinchat, Grasshopper Warbler, Great Grey Shrike, Raven, Reed Bunting.

Habitat:
The “new” Bølling Sø was re-established as late as 2005. The original lake was drained in the 1870's, but the soil was poor and farming not very successful. In both World Wars the area provided peat for fuel. Eventually, in 1994, it was decided to re-establish as much of the lake as possible, whilst protecting settlements discovered by archaeologists on several sites in the area, and which date back 9,000-11,000 years.

The present lake is a shallow, low-nutrient, peaty brown lake, fed entirely by rain and springs trickling out of the surrounding hills. It is surrounded by fields, meadows, scrub, reedbeds and open grazing land. However, it remains to be seen how the reedbeds and other biotopes will develop. A few “islands” have been established in the lake. A dam with a path/cycle track forms the lake’s border towards the west, and the water level is regulated by a weir, which also enables fish to move from Skygge Å into the lake. It is hoped that a good habitat for all types of wildlife has been created.

Birds and other Wildlife:       
During 2004-2005 - the first years of the new lake’s life - 42 different species of bird were identified breeding in the area. In 2006, the whole area housed around 80 species of breeding bird, and in 2007 a new species bred here for the first time - a pair of Whooper Swans hatched three cygnets, which is quite a sensation for Denmark.

In summer, various waders such as Lapwing, Golden Plover, Snipe, Greenshank, Green Sandpiper and Ruff stop over here, dependent on whether mudbanks or grass patches appear along the water's edge. So far, 24 species of waders have been identified.

In September, double figure numbers of Buzzard have been observed migrating over the area. During ice-free periods in winter, up to 125 Whooper Swan have been seen. In spring and autumn, large flocks of Mallard, Teal, Coot and Greylag Goose can accumulate here, as well as flocks of Wigeon, Pochard, Tufted Duck and the odd Goldeneye, while several Hen Harrier can pass over the area or roost overnight in the reedbeds. In winter, the area hosts a few Great Grey Shrike.

To date, 187 bird species have been observed at Bølling Sø, including Black-necked Grebe, Arctic Tern, Little Gull, Red-footed Falcon, Honey Buzzard, Great Egret and White-tailed Eagle. The latest new species (2007) were Wryneck and Penduline Tit - it remains to be seen whether they will breed here in the future.

Visiting and Access :
Bølling Sø and the surrounding area can be found north-east of where Route 15 crosses Route 13 west of Silkeborg, on the outskirts of the town of Egesvang. From the town there is access to the western dam with a car park, information board, folders, and other facilities as well as good views. On the other side af the lake there is a nature centre at Klosterlund. Altogether there are 10 car parks and a 12 km long marked nature trail around the lake.

Dystrup-Ramten Søerne & Huldremosen


Huldremose. Photo: Arne Bo Larsen © 

Location:          
The Dystrup-Ramten Søer are two lakes situated in the northern part of the Djursland peninsula 40 km east of Randers and 20 km west of Grenå.

Protection/IBA Status:
The lakes and part of the surrounding meadows and woodland (190 ha in total) have been appointed a conservation area, and are protected by the general Nature Protection laws. The area is not an IBA, but DOF has decided to monitor the birdlife here as the lakes are important for a number of interesting breeding and staging birds at a local level.

Important Birds:
Black-necked Grebe, Bittern, Marsh Harrier, Black-headed Gull, Kingfisher.

Habitat :          
The Dystrup-Ramten Søer are typical kettle hole lakes formed in the last ice age. They are fed by rain, springs and drainage ditches. Ramten Sø has the only outlet. A channel connects the two lakes, which are surrounded by bog and dug-out peat holes, which nowadays are overgrown with scrub. Dystrup Sø is rather shallow, with an average depth of 1 m. It was badly polluted in the past, but because of rich underwater growth the water has now become clearer.

Ramten Sø, with an average depth of 1.2 m, also suffered from severe pollution earlier, when untreated sewage from households and farm middens was led into it. This practice has now ceased, but the lake is still characterised as a “nutritious” lake, and has been through a re-establishment programme, which in time should improve its condition.  

Huldremose, which lies east of Ramten Sø, is a small, boggy, partly overgrown area, with patches of shallow water, edged by willow and common alder.

Birds and other Wildlife:      
Dystrup Sø is one of the best bird sites on Djursland for breeding and staging waterfowl. Breeding birds include Great Crested Grebe, Mute Swan, Water Rail and Marsh Harrier. Booming Bitterns have been heard for many years and presumably breed here. A colony of Black-headed Gull was once a noisy attraction here, but has recently disappeared.              

Ramten Sø has, due to pollution, lost many of its breeding birds, but still supports Great Crested Grebe, Mute Swan, Marsh Harrier, Water Rail and various other waterfowl.

Huldremose hosts Black-necked Grebe, Tufted Duck, Pochard and Coot, and has for some years supported a colony of Black-headed Gull (300-400 pairs in 2006).                   

In the locality as a whole, 149 species have been observed.  

Visiting and Access :   
The town of Ramten is situated on Route 16, 20 km west of Grenå and 40 km east of Randers. At  Ramten follow the signs to Stenvad. This road leads past Ramten Sø. Where the road meets Huldremose (on the right-hand side of the road) a car park on the left-hand side has an information board and signposts to a 4 km long path for walking or cycling - here there are good views of the lakes, with peace and quiet, well away from the traffic. There is an observation tower at Dystrup Sø, about 1 km from the car park.  

Vorup Enge

 

Vorup Enge Engsø towards the east - Randers town.  Photo: Benny Kristensen

Location:
Vorup Enge is another of the many recently re-established nature areas in Denmark. It is situated only 500 m from the centre of Randers and is bordered by the Gudenå to the north and the E45 to the west.

Protection/IBA Status:
Vorup Enge is protected by the general nature protection laws. It is owned by Aage V. Jensens Fund, who are managing the area as a nature reserve. It forms part of a larger area which has been designated as an IBA of local interest.

Habitat:
Until the late 19th century, Vorup Enge was an area of wetland meadows, providing hay for local farmers. It then underwent a drainage scheme, as did so many other wetlands in Denmark at that time, to enable the land to be cultivated. However, some years ago it was obvious that agriculture was no longer viable. The area was purchased by Aage V. Jensens Fund and has since been re-established as a tidal wetland, with a large open lake, cattle-grazed meadows, and a few small copses and some scrubland. At low tide large mudbanks emerge.

Birds and other Wildlife:
Breeding birds include Little Grebe, Crested Grebe, Snipe, Penduline Tit, Bearded Tit, Reed Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Water Rail, Lapwing, various ducks and Common Tern.

Vorup Enge is also used as a stop-over point for passage migrants, and Ruff, Greenshank, Wood Sandpiper, Lapwing and Snipe are observed regularly. Ducks include Shoveler, Teal and Wigeon, and raptors such as Osprey, Red Kite and Peregrine visit the area.

Altogether 160 different species have been observed in this locality up to now.

Visiting and Access:
The area can be accessed from two spots:
1) By a pathway leading from Randers Regnskov on the outskirts of the town of Randers and crossing the railway bridge
2) From the car park/picnic area at Junction 41 on the east side of the E45 motorway.

Facilities comprise three observation towers, a pavillion for school classes, and a network of paths that ensure the birdlife is disturbed as little as possible.

It may also be of interest to visit the nearby Gudenåpark - a 28 ha recreational nature park with nature school, information centre, etc. In the centre is a lake with reedbeds and willow scrub, and the area is criss-crossed by paths. Breeding birds include Nightingale, Reed Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler and Kingfisher.

 
Kalsemade, east of Alrø 

Location:
Alrø is an island in Horsens Fjord connected by an embankment to the northern side of the fjord, south-west of the village of Gylling.

Protection/IBA Status:
East of Alrø is the Nature Reserve of Lerdrup Bugt (872 ha) which was established in 1994. Part of the reserve consists of the islets, sandbanks and salt meadows round the promontory of Alhale - 30 ha of land in total. Alrø forms part of a large IBA designated by BirdLife International and comprising the fjord and sea area stretching from Vorsø in the west to Endelave and Svanegrund in the east. As most of the area is difficult to access, only Alrø has been described here.

Important Birds (for the whole IBA area):
Cormorant, Scaup, Eider, Velvet Scoter, Goldeneye, Goosander, Marsh Harrier, Avocet, Golden Plover, Dunlin, Bar-tailed Godwit, Sandwich Tern, Arctic Tern, Little Tern, Black Guillemot, Red-backed Shrike.

Habitat:
The island of Alrø itself is almost completely agricultural land, but its eastern promontory juts out into an area of mudflats, exposed at low tide, and dotted with small islets.

Birds and other Wildlife:
In the breeding season, the Avocet is a special attraction. Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Redshank and Ringed Plover are other typical breeding birds. Yellow Wagtail and Meadow Pipit can be seen on the salt meadows, and Arctic Tern, Common Gull, Black-headed Gull, Eider, Red-breasted Merganser and Mute Swan breed out on the islets. Although Common Tern and Sandwich Tern no longer breed on Alrø, they make their appearance here with their young in the summer months. There is a steady stream of Cormorant flying out into the fjord from the colony on Vorsø. Grey Heron also breed on Vorsø and forage in the neighbourhood.

In spring and autumn, Dunlin, Bar-tailed Godwit, Golden Plover and Lapwing appear in large flocks. Other visitors include Knot, Grey Plover and Ringed Plover and one may be lucky enough to spot Curlew Sandpiper and Little Stint. At high tide, the inlet of Polkrog on the south side of the promontory of Alhale is used by waders. It is not unusual to see Spotted Redshank, Common Sandpiper, Snipe, Wood Sandpiper, Ruff and Temminck's Stint here.

Apart from the waders, Great Crested Grebe, Greylag Goose, Mallard, Wigeon, Pintail, Teal and sometimes Brent Goose can be seen.

Winter guests include Whooper Swan and Mallard, that join the Mute Swan congregating in the fjord. Diving ducks such as Eider, Scaup and Goldeneye can be spotted off shore, and a few Rock Pipit and small flocks of Twite and Snow Bunting may be seen flying along the coast and over the meadows.

Visiting and Access:
From the town of Odder, south of Århus, take Route 451 south. Just after the village of Ørting a minor road leads south to Alrø. There is no access to the private land on the island, and unfortunately a former observation tower has been taken down, so that bird-watching must be done from the public roads. Apart from the view across to the mudflats and islets (just after the right-hand bend when one has driven over the embankment) it is also possible to drive right to the end of the island or take one of the roads going north or south, from where other parts of the fjord can be viewed.

Knudssø, Birksø & Julsø

Location:  
Knudssø, Birksø and Julsø are three of the lakes in the Silkeborg Lake District situated in the hilly region between Svejbæk and Ry. They are connected by Denmark’s longest river, the Gudenå.

Protection/IBA Status:
Some of the countryside surrounding Birksø is part of a conservation area (the Alling Bakker conservation area). Several small areas have been appointed bird reserves, with a strict no-access policy. Alø and Røsvig are two such areas. Otherwise, the area is protected by the general Nature Protection laws. The area is not an international IBA, but is considered of national interest due to the presence of breeding Black-necked Grebe, Black-headed Gull and Kingfisher.

Important Birds:
Great Crested Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Marsh Harrier, Black-headed Gull, Kingfisher.

Habitat:
Knudssø, with a maximum depth of 29m, is a nutrient-rich lake, encircled by woodland and built-up areas. At the eastern end of the lake is a youth hostel and camp site and the beach is a popular bathing spot. On Horskær spit and along the south-eastern bank there are large areas of reedbeds. Birksø is also a nutrient-rich lake surrounded by dense reedbeds, alder swamps and woodland. Julsø, which is the second largest lake in the Silkeborg Lake Distrct, is mostly surrounded by alder swamps and woodland, with large reedbeds in the more sheltered coves.

Birds and other Wildlife:      
The lakes boast sizeable populations of Great Crested Grebe and Black-necked Grebe, with several colonies of Black-headed Gull. Several pairs of Kingfisher breed in the area.

Visiting and Access:  
Whether approaching the area from the north or the south on the E45 motorway, turn west at Junction 52 and head for Ry along Route 445. From Ry, roads lead both south and north around the lakes. At several places along the river and lakes there are picnic areas with information boards and folders, for example at Birkhede, Laven and Knudssø. It is also possible to rent canoes and kayacks, or take a trip on one of the boats sailing from Ry or Silkeborg. This is in fact a good way to experience the wildlife in the lakes and the river.

Mossø

Location:          
Mossø is the largest of the lakes in the Gudenå system and is situated approx 5 km west of Skanderborg.

Protection/IBA Status:
Mossø and its surrounding area (2020 ha in total) have been appointed an EU Bird Protection Area, and form part of an even larger conservation area. Hunting, windsurfing and other disturbances are prohibited. Emborg Odde is a bird reserve with no public access during the breeding season.

Important Birds:
Goldeneye, Goosander, White-tailed Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Osprey, Kingfisher.

Habitat:          
Mossø is 10 km long and 2 km wide at its widest point, its maximum depth being 22 m. It is surrounded by woods, farmland and meadows. Between the two promontories of Emborg Odde and Lindholm Hoved and round the western end of the lake there are wide stretches of reedbeds and bogs.      

Birds and other Wildlife:      
Numerous breeding and staging birds can be found in and around the lake. Previously, it supported a large population of Black-necked Grebe, which has now declined to only a few pairs. The lake is particularly important for Great Crested Grebe, Tufted Duck and Goosander that stop over here. Marsh Harrier breed here.

Visiting and Access:
As Mossø is rather large it can be accessed by several routes. From the east, leave the E45 at Junction 52 and head for the north side of the lake, or at Junction 53 and follow Route 409 leading to Route 453 south of the lake, or to part of the Marguerite route along the east bank. Another part of the Marguerite route follows Route 461 west of the lake, with smaller roads leading down to the lake itself. 

Good views over the lake can be had from the following spots:
- From the roads along the eastern end of the lake and west of the village of Alken.
- From the bird observation tower at Lindholm Hoved.
- From the tip of Hem Odde on the south bank and from the bank at the mill of Klostermølle at the west end of the lake.
- From an area of heath west of Emborg with public access, with fine views over the Emborg Odde reserve.
- From the outlook point of Sukkertoppen in Højlund Skov.    

At Øm Kloster Museum and at Klostermølle there are car parks with maps of the area. There are marked paths several places around the lake, at Boes, Emborg Vestermark and in Højlund Skov.

Mørke Kær

 
View towards the south-east over the largest of the lakes in Mørke Kær

Location:          
Mørke Kær is situated appr 20 km east of the E45 between Århus and Randers near Rosenholm castle and woods.

Protection/IBA Status:
The area is protected only by Denmark's general Nature Protection law. It is not an international IBA but has been pinpointed by DOF as having regional importance for breeding waterfowl. Mørke Kær is unfortunately open to much disturbance from hunting, fishing, rowing and other activities.

Important Birds:
Marsh Harrier

Habitat:          
Mørke Kær is what remains of a formerly much larger bog and moorland area. Of the previous 500 ha, only 120 ha remain. Formerly used for peat extraction, the area is now characterised by deep ponds with steep banks, surrounded by willow and birch. Reedbeds exist mainly in the middle of the bog. Around the bog are pastures and some cultivated farmland. 

Birds and other Wildlife:      
Regular breeders in Mørke Kær are Great Crested Grebe, Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Shelduck, Mallard, Marsh Harrier, Water Rail, Moorhen, Coot and Lapwing. Black-necked Grebe, Garganey and Shoveler have also bred occasionally. There used to be an important colony of Black-headed Gull which has collapsed recently, with only a few pairs left. The high numbers of breeding Pochard and Tufted Duck seen previously also seem to have become severely reduced in later years. On the other hand, Greylag Goose is a new breeding bird for the area. Apart from waterfowl, Mørke Kær supports many passerines, with Nightingale, Reed Warbler and Marsh Warbler being the most characteristic among them. Penduline Tit has also bred here, although not regularly.

Visiting and Access:  
Leave the E45 at Junction 44. Take Route 587 eastwards for 10-12 km, then turn left along the Marguerite route through Hornslet, where Mørke Kær can be found between Rosenholm castle and the town of Mørke.               

The largest of the peat pits can be seen from the road between Termestrup and Rosenholm. There is also access to the area along a farm track leading from Gl. Mørkevej to Løkkenvej. At the end of Løkkenvej, at the disused level crossing, a dirt road follows the railway. From here one can see most of the area. At one of the peat ponds there is a bird observation tower which can be reached on foot from Løkkenvej.  Please keep to the paths during the birds’ breeding season.

Norsminde Fjord

  
Norsminde Fjord 

Location:         
Norsminde Fjord is situated approx. 20 km south of Århus on the east coast of Jutland. It is connected to the bay of Århus Bugt by means of a high water sluice at Norsminde harbour. The fjord stretches 4 km inland, and is the outlet for Odder Å.

Protection/IBA Status:
The fjord was appointed a nature reserve in 1942 and hunting, sailing and other activities are prohibited, although some time ago the authorities issued a temporary permit allowing intensive kayaking here, creating upheavals for the wildlife. A compromise is in the pipeline for all concerned. Part of the reserve, called "Det Herreløse" is closed to the public from 01.03. - 15.07. The fjord was furthermore appointed an EU Bird Protection Area in 1983. It is also an IBA of international importance.

Important Birds:
Whooper Swan, Goosander, Marsh Harrier, Golden Plover.

Habitat:          
Norsminde Fjord lies in a sub-glacial stream trench, surrounded by drumlins. The fjord was originally much larger before draining took place during the mid 19th century. Nowadays the fjord covers 187 hectares. A dyke along the east side of the fjord separates it from the drained land, and another attempt to extend the drainage resulted in an area called “Det Herreløse” (meaning ownerless/waste land) with reedbeds, shallow lagoons, swamps and coastal meadows.

The surrounding farmland, on the other hand, is under intensive agriculture. The high water sluice was built in 1964 to protect this farmland. The brackish water in the fjord is rather shallow, with an average depth of 0.60 m, its deepest spot being 2 m.          

Birds and other Wildlife:      
Despite its size, Norsminde Fjord is a haven for birds. Waders, grebes, ducks and waterfowl use the fjord for resting and foraging. Only during extremely hard winters do the birds leave the area. At times, hundreds of geese and Whooper Swans can be seen grazing on the surrounding fields. Large numbers of Goosander use the fjord when other winter sites are frozen over.

Visiting and Access:  
In spite of its relatively close proximity to Århus, the area’s recreational value is very limited, due to the fact that access to the area is very difficult.

One gets there by following the Marguerite route along the coast southwards from Århus as far as Norsminde harbour, where there is a car park. From here follow the path on the dam, past the old pump station, to the “Det Herreløse” reserve, and return by the same route (a 2-3 hour walk). The rest of the area is private property and not accessible. Most of the birds stage and forage in the innermost part of the fjord - so that is where to head for.   

Visiting and Access:
Salten Langsø is virtually surrounded by the Marguerite route. Route 461 follows the stretch east of the lake; Route 445 lies to the north; Route 52 lies west of the lake. There are good viewpoints at several places: at the heath on the north-east bank of the lake, south-west of Gammel Rye; at Ildal Bæk east of Salten village; at the edge of Høvild Skov north-west of the lake; and at Salten Næs at the western end of the lake.

Velling Skov and Snabegård Skov

Participants in the bird count 01.04.06

Location:  
This area consists of deciduous and coniferous woodland, with meadows, ponds, bogs, heathland, and small lakes.               

Protection/IBA Status: 
Snabegård Skov is under preservation orders and is designated an EU Bird Protection Area. Both of the woods are part of an EU Habitat Area. They are part of a larger area which has been appointed an international IBA. (See the map in the Danish language section - for practical purposes, only the two woodland areas are described here).

Important Birds:
This list covers the birds that are being monitored in the whole of the above-mentioned IBA:
Greylag Goose, Teal, Honey Buzzard, Red Kite, White-tailed Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Goshawk, Golden Eagle, Osprey, Hobby, Peregrine, Crane, Snipe, Green Sandpiper, Stock Dove, Eagle Owl, Nightjar, Kingfisher, Wryneck, Green Woodpecker, Black Woodpecker, Woodlark, Grey Wagtail, Dipper, Whinchat, Red-backed Shrike, Great Grey Shrike, Raven. 

Habitat:
Velling Skov and Snabegård Skov are part of the Silkebord State Forest district. They are situated in a hilly region with many sub-glacial stream trenches along the edge of the line where the ice stopped during the last ice age.

Velling Skov is situated on the southern slope of the Salten Å valley. There are two small lakes in the wood: Igelsø and Hundsø. Large parts of the wood are original "natural" wood, meaning that there has been woodland here since the ice age. Snabegård Skov, however, was planted only in 1808. It is cut through by a valley eroded by a sub-glacial stream during the ice age. The valley is now traversed by a veteran railway which runs between Vrads and Bryrup, passing by the lakes of Kulsø and Kvindsø south of the wood.

Birds and othe Wildlife:
All the common forest birds can be found in this area, and some of the rarer ones, too, such as Nightjar, Red-backed Shrike, Great Grey Shrike, Black Woodpecker, Raven and Kingfisher.

Visiting and Access:  
The two woods lie approx 15 km south of Silkeborg and 26 km west of Skanderborg. A minor road leaves the 453 north of the town of Bryrup and passes between the two woods. It is recommended to obtain the Danish Forest and Nature Agency folder (available at tourist offices or by downloading from the internet on: www.skovognatur.dk/Udgivelser/Vandretursfoldere/atilaa/Velling). This provides a good map with car park locations and marked trails.

As mentioned above, Velling Skov and Snabegård Skov form part of a larger IBA area. To explore the rest of the area further, it is recommended to consult a tourist map. Good places to head for are Vrads Sande (a heath north of the town of Vrads), Kulsø and Kvindsø (two lakes north-west of Bryrup), or the lake of Hampen Sø (approx 20 km west of Bryrup - access from a car park on Route 13, east of the town of Hampen).

Stavns Fjord, Samsø

 
Photo: Mogens Wedel-Heinen 

Location:          
Stavns Fjord is situated on the easern side of Samsø, an island lying at approx equal distances between Jutland, Funen and Zealand.

Protection/IBA Status:
Stavns Fjord is both an EU Bird Protection Area, an EU Habitat Area, a Ramsar Site and a Nature Reserve. It is furthermore partly under the general Nature Protection laws of Denmark. There is no public access to Sværm and Besser Rev between 01.04. and 15.07. The whole area has been appointed an IBA of international interest.

Important Birds:
Cormorant, Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Eider, Common Scoter, Goosander, Marsh Harrier, Avocet, Dunlin, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Sandwich Tern, Arctic Tern, Little Tern.

Habitat:
Geologically, Stavns Fjord is a moraine landscape which was partly submerged in the melting ice after the last ice age. This explains the many islets, gravel beds and boulders in the fjord which lies protected behind a long narrow spit named Besser Rev towards the east. This spit is 5 km long and just 100 m wide, and is a type of barrier spit unique to Denmark. South of Stavns Fjord the landscape is predominantly farmland. North of the fjord, shingle beaches form the promontories of Langør and Lilleøre.

Much of the water in the fjord is shallow, but there is a deeper channel (max. 8.7 m) running south and west of the islet of Hjortholm and through the opening to the Kattegat.

The main nine islets in Stavns Fjord are mostly covered in grass and scrub and are grazed by sheep and cattle. Scattered all over the fjord are also many smaller islets, and the bed of the fjord is littered with large boulders, some just peeping out of the water. This excellent habitat, with its nutrient-rich mudflats, lush meadows, and great variations of landscape, offers ideal conditions for many breeding and migrating bird species.

Birds and & other Wildlife:      
The fjord is a haven for many species of waterbird. There is a colony of Cormorant, with around 2600 birds breeding in 2007, and another colony of Grey Heron, which counts 20-30 pairs. Shelduck, Eider, Red-breasted Merganser, Avocet, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Lapwing and Redshank breed here. Gulls breed in small numbers, the most numerous species being Herring Gull with around 120 pairs. Arctic Tern are present with around 40 pairs, and around 30 pairs of Black Guillemot enjoy the sanctuary of the fjord. The meadows around the fjord house around 30 pairs of Meadow Pipit.

Flocks of geese, ducks and waders winter in the fjord when it is not covered by ice, amongst them Whooper Swan, Greylag Goose, Dark-bellied Brent Goose, Shelduck, Mallard, Goldeneye, Eider, Oystercatcher and Curlew. Corn Bunting use the meadows as a wintering ground.

Visiting and Access:
Samsø can be reached either by ferry from Hov, south of Århus, to Sælvig on the west side of the island; or from Kalundborg on Zealand to Kolby Kås, also on the west side of the island. 

Public access is possible in a number of places along Stavns Fjord, as many paths and farm tracks lead to it. Some places have information boards. From Stavns itself a public path leads along the fjord to Made. In Langør at the north end of Stavns Fjord, there is a “Naturskole” (Nature school), which also functions as an information centre. Various folders describing the island’s nature and history are available here.

Apart from Stavns Fjord, Samsø offers many good spots for bird-watching. The northern and southern tips of the island can be particularly recommended. 

Stubbe Sø

 
Cattle on the meadow at Stubbe Sø. Photo: Dubbeld Samplonius 

Location:          
Stubbe Sø is the third largest lake in Jutland,and is situated approx 6 km north of Ebeltoft on the peninsula of Djursland.

Protection/IBA Status:
The lake and surrounding area are protected by the EU Habitats Directive and larger areas are covered by the general Nature Protection laws. Except for a small locality, Stubbe Enge, at the east end of the lake, which is state-owned, both the lake and the area surrounding it are privately owned. The Bird Protection Fund has a reserve covering 23 ha in the north-east corner.

Important Birds:
Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Kingfisher, Red-backed Shrike.

Habitat:      
Stubbe Sø is a shallow lake surrounded by reedbeds 2 - 30 m wide , mixed with a rich variety of plant species. At the eastern end of the lake there are meadows with a wealth of plants, birch and alder scrub. Otherwise the lake is virtually surrounded by forest which is mainly pine on sandy soil. However, in many places it is interspersed with patches of heath, grazing common, scrub and virgin deciduous woodland.

Birds and other Wildlife:       
In the forest round Stubbe Sø most pine wood bird species can be observed: Redstart, Mistle Thrush and Pied Flycatcher breed here, for example. Other characteristic birds are Coal Tit, Crested Tit and Crossbill. In the meadows and pastures there are Woodlark and Red-backed Shrike. On the lake one can see most of the ducks and swans found in Denmark, as well as Greylag and Canada Geese, which can also be spotted foraging on the meadows to the east and south-east of the lake. White-tailed Eagle, Bearded Tit and Kingfisher are observed regularly. Honey Buzzard and Marsh Harrier also breed round the lake. Grey Heron from a nearby heronry visit the lake and surrounding meadows. Bittern has been heard booming in the reedbeds, but it is uncertain whether it actually breeds here. Cormorant have tried establishing a colony on the southern bank of the lake, but have been unsuccessful up to now, presumably due to human interference.

In winter, the lake is home to considerable numbers of ducks and grebes, including a little flock of Smew. A Dipper can sometimes be seen at the stream leaving the lake at its south-east corner.

Visiting and Access:
Stubbe Sø can be reached on Routes 15 / 21 from Århus, or by Route 15 from Grenå / Route 21 from Ebeltoft.

It is difficult to get an overall view of Stubbe Sø. The best viewpoints are accessed by following Skærsø Skovvej after turning off from Route 21 to the right, a couple of km north of Ebeltoft heading towards Tirstrup. Parts of the eastern end of the lake can be seen from the minor road on the southern bank. A little further eastwards, on the same road, a nature trail leads south and north. In the northerly direction, there is a detour to the left which ends at the south-east corner of the lake, by the state-owned meadows at Stubbe Enge. There is also on-going work to establish a path into the Bird Protection Fund reserve, to be completed soon.