Nordjylland / Northern Jutland

1) Hirsholmene and Elling Å meadows

2) The Aggersund to Bygholm Vejle Coast

3) The coast between Dokkedal and Lyngså

4) Lille Vildmose

5) Løgstør Bredning

6) Madum Sø

7) Skagen

8) Skagerrak & the South-West Norwegian Channel

9) Nibe Bredning, Gjøl Bredning and Ulvedybet

Hirsholmene and Elling Å meadows

Black Guillemots. Wildlife Image: Jan Skriver 

Location:   
Hirsholmene is a group of small islands situated off Frederikshavn, on the east coast of North Jutland. 

On the mainland are the coastal meadows at the outlet of Elling Å. They are squeezed in between the towns of Frederikshavn and Strandby, with the Skagen railway running along their western boundary, and with a row of dunes to the east, which force the stream southwards to its outlet in the northern part of Frederikshavn. 

Protection /IBA Status:  
Hirsholmene and the surrounding sea are a National Nature Reserve. Together with the coastal meadows at Elling Å the whole area has also been nominated a BirdLife International IBA.

Important Birds:  
Cormorant, Avocet, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Sandwich Tern, Common Tern, Arctic Tern, Black Guillemot.

Habitat:   
The islets of Hirsholmene emerged when the last glacial ice cap melted away 10,000 years ago, leaving deposits of rocks, gravel and sand which now form the islets.

The coastal meadows at Elling Å are boggy, with small ponds and swamps where many ducks and waders forage. At Elling Å’s outlet there is a mudbank which, when uncovered, attracts many gulls, duck and waders.

Birds and other Wildlife:    
Many species of birds breed on Hirsholmene: Red-breasted Merganser, Common Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Eider, Mallard, Rock Pipit, Stock Dove and Cormorant. There are more than 600 pairs of Black Guillemot, which is more than half of this species' Danish population.

The sea around the islands offers good feeding for thousands of ducks. During some periods 10,000 Eider have been observed.  Common Scoter and Velvet Scoter also stop over in the area.

Visiting and Access:
Frederikshavn lies at the northern end of the E 45 and from there a post boat sails to Hirsholm,   the only inhabited island. It sails three times a week and can take only 12 passengers. Visitors are requested to move with caution about the island, to disturb the wildlife as little as possible. Do not take cats or dogs onto the island.

Between Strandby and Frederikshavn, an old footpath runs along the beach and dunes. Recently, a footbridge has been built over Elling Å, so that it is now possible to walk along the whole length of the meadows.

The Limfjord coast from Aggersund to Bygholm Vejle

The meadow flooded 07.11.06. Photo: Albert Steen-Hansen

Location:  
This is a 12 km long coastal strip along the north side of the Limfjord, stretching from Bygholm Vejle in the west, via Fjordholme, Ullerup Langholm, Sønder Tranholme, Langholm and Borreholm to the bridge at Aggersund in the east.

Protection/IBA Status:   
This whole area, which has been nominated an IBA, is covered by Denmark's general Nature Protection Laws. Aggersborg Nature Reserve includes farmland at Aggersborggård and islets on Borreholm, Digeløre Holm, Langholm and Sønderslette as well as the adjoining wetlands. Hunting of waterfowl is not permitted on the reserve, and there is no public access to the land. The locality is also protected under the EU Birds Directive and is part of a Ramsar Area.

Important Birds:  
Bewick's Swan, Whooper Swan, Pink-footed Goose, Barnacle Goose, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Shelduck, Avocet, Dunlin, Ruff, Common Gull, Arctic Tern.

Habitat:  
The area is characterised by wide coastal meadows with a mosaic of islets and holms, shallow ponds, ditches and sandbanks, running along the border of the flat agricultural landscape inland.

Birds and other Wildlife:   
Breeding birds include Avocet, Dunlin and Arctic Tern, which all breed here in considerable numbers (1% or more of the total world population). During migration periods, the flocks of Whooper Swan and Pink-footed Goose which stop over here also account for at least 1% of the global population. The wetlands also attract Shelduck, Brent Goose and Bewick's Swan. 

Borreholm houses a large colony of Common Gulls. On the edge of the reserve is a small wood with a modest sized heron colony.   

Aggersborggård Nature Reserve enjoys special status due to the area’s favourable breeding conditions for gulls and waterfowl. On the meadows and islets Common Gull, Black-headed Gull, Arctic Tern, Oystercatcher and Avocet can be found. As a staging area the reserve is valuable for Greylag Goose, Pink-footed Goose, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, and many other waterfowl. 

Visiting and Access:  
As the majority of the area is fenced in and admission is prohibited to the Aggersborggård Nature Reserve, there is no access to the meadows and islets. However, there are still good opportunities for observing the birdlife from a distance - obviously best done with a telescope.   

Driving north across the Aggersund bridge, a car park can be found a few hundred metres down on the left. From here one can see the sands and Søholm. Look out for geese, Avocet and Curlew.

Carry on north approx. 100 m along the Fjerritslevvej road. Turn left along Ullerupvej which after 6-700 m meets Aggersborgvej. Follow that to the left and make stops where conditions offer good views. The best stretch is before the farm of Aggersborggård. From here one can see part of Borreholm. At the farm itself it is possible to turn, but there is no access to the reserve. From Aggersborggård carry on along Ullerupvej to get to the Aggersborg Viking ring castle site on the left. (This was the largest of Denmark's Viking ring castles and, although there is now only a reconstruction of the ramparts, it is well worth a visit. In the small museum by the church is a fine exhibition of its history.) There are more good vistas to be had of Borreholm if one walks down to the southern part of the ring. 

After having passed the church follow Thorupvej towards Thorup. Where the road bends shortly before the village, there is a well-hidden farm track on the left, between Steensgård and Søndergård. (This may be difficult to spot). Following this track out to the dyke there are good views over the meadows on both sides. Be cautious crawling up on the dyke, especially during spring, when huge flocks of geese congregate here.

Turn back to Thorupvej. Shortly after, Vestergårdsvej turns up on the left. Follow this road for a few metres. On the left, a farm track leads off to Sønder Tranholme. Here again, one can view the meadows on both sides.

The most northerly site, Fjordholme, can be overviewed from the main A11/A29 road shortly before Bygholm Vejle. Another possibility is taking Gøttrupstrandvej and turning off at the signposts to house numbers 162 and 166. Here one can also gain access to the far side of the dyke.

The coast between Dokkedal and Lyngså

Mudflats exposed at low tide. Photo: Kurt Rasmussen

Location :  
From Lyngså in the north to Dokkedal in the south, this North Jutland coastal fringe offers several exciting areas to explore. A road runs parallel with the coast (with a ferry connection at the mouth of the Limfjord) and many small farm tracks lead off this road, offering access to the coastal areas.

Preservation/IBA Status:   
The entire sea area and the coast are protected under the EU Habitats Directive and the EU Birds Directive. Additionally, parts of the area are under the general Nature Protection Law, as well as part of the general Dune Preservation Law. The Voerså-Stensnæs, Aså-Gerå and Hals Egense areas are also appointed reserves. The whole area is an IBA.

Important Birds:   
Cormorant, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Shelduck, Eider, Common Scoter, Velvet Scoter, Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, Avocet, Golden Plover, Dunlin, Sandwich Tern, Arctic Tern, Little Tern

Habitat:   
The area consists of coastal meadows, arable land, grazed pastures, brackish shallow lagoons and tidal sand-banks. In some places the coast is dominated by weekend bungalows and tourist facilities.

Birds and other Wildlife:   
The sand-banks and lagoons attract large numbers of ducks, waders, cormorants and gulls. Swans and geese winter in the inland ponds. The coastal meadows attract many passerines.

Visiting and Access:   
The area can be divided into 8 sub-localities: 

1) Stensnæs to Aså : Stensnæs is the most northerly location, situated east of the town of Lyngså. Behind the dunes there is a large coastal meadow that stretches more or less all the way down to Voerså. The meadows at Stensnæs are extensively grazed by cattle. At Lyngså Strand, just south of the 400 kW power sub-station that can be seen from the coast road, a dirt track leads to a car park at the northern end of the reserve. From here it is possible to walk approx. 1 km southward to the promontory. All the way there are good views of the sea and the beach meadows.

One inlet has been almost totally cut off from the sea and its waters are slowly turning brackish, which attracts numbers of ducks and waders. Another inlet closer to the beach still has a sizeable opening to the sea. Here, gulls and waders find good foraging at low tide.

From the southern point of Stensnæs, sand-banks stretch all the way down to Voerså Harbour. These are growing larger every year, as sand deposits built up. A couple of sandy islets south-east of the promontory have grown so large that plant communities have established themselves.

2) Voerså: In Voerså there are good views from the harbour - both northwards to Stensnæs and southwards to Aså, especially if you walk to the end of the jetty. 

South-west of Voerså there is an area called Sørå Mark, which is made up of farmlands interspersed with scrubland and lakes. This area is often waterlogged during spring and autumn flood tides. From November to April, flocks of Bewick's Swan, Whooper Swans and geese are attracted to the area.

Towards the east there is an area of coastal meadow interspersed with farmland pasture stretching down to the beach. The coastal waters are shallow a long way out, with sand-banks exposed at low tide. This area stretches from Voerså to Aså.

Between Voerså and Aså the Elsamvej road runs down to Elsam Power Station on the coast. From here, the sands between Voerså and Aså can be viewed through a telescope.

3) Aså: Just before the harbour in Aså there is a good view of the sand-banks to the north, which are exposed at low tide, and of a small lagoon to the south. This has only a very narrow outlet to the sea. Waders and gulls are often observed here. South of the lagoon, a row of dunes with marram grass and other plants stretches along the coast, attracting many passerines all the year round. There are also good views of the sands and the sea from the car park and jetties at the marina.

4) Aså to Gerå: In Aså, turn left onto Gerå Engevej which runs quite close to the sea all the way to the jetty at Gerå. All along this road there are good views of the meadows, which are partly arable and partly pasture, and at a few places it is possible to follow farm tracks down to the beach and the sands. In Gerå, turn left immediately after the stream and the sewage plant - here a road leads down through the weekend bungalow area and ends at a small car park at the Borgmestermole (the Mayor’s jetty). Walking out onto the jetty, one has excellent views covering half the horizon. The large sand-banks nearby are exposed at low tide.

5) Gerå to Hou: From Gerå the coast road carries on to Melholt. Turn left at the crossroads in the middle of the village. The road leads out across the meadows at Hou Enge, and here one can also access the coast along small farm tracks. This area also consists of partly arable and partly grazed pasture land. At the harbour at Hou, a large lagoon behind the dunes attracts many waders and ducks. From the outermost dunes there are good views towards the north.

6) Hou to Hals: Most of this stretch is dominated by weekend bungalows surrounded by pine plantations, but there is access down to the beach and coastal sand-banks via small tracks leading off the main road.

7) Hals, Bisnap and Nordmandshage: The northern bank of the mouth of the Limfjord is a wide expanse of dunes with large sandbanks exposed at low tide. It can be reached from Bisnap, from where one can walk all the way along the beach to Hals Harbour, or choose to head north. A large dune on the golf course offers good views of the mouth of the Limfjord and the sands towards the north.

8) Egense to Dokkedal:  A car ferry crosses the mouth of the Limfjord between Hals and Egense. From beside the ferry landing stage there are good views over the coast and a lagoon. In Egense, turning left towards the coast, one can walk along the sands immediately south of the Limfjord. On the southern side of the mouth of the Limfjord, a sand spit has built up forming in a southerly direction.

The coastal road continues to Dokkedal. Behind the dunes, weekend bungalows proliferate, with a camp site and pine plantations. Tracks lead down to the coast between the bungalows. Large areas of the coast are exposed at low tide.

In Dokkedal, the Mulbjerge "mountains" rise up from a wide beach front and shallow seas. Here there is a car park, from where there is access to the top of Mulbjerge, with a fine view of the sea, or one can walk along the coast.

Lille Vildmose
 

Peat pond in the Portland bog.  Photo: Flemming Ahlmann

Location: 
Lille Vildmose is the largest raised bog in Denmark and one of the best preserved lowland raised bogs in north-west Europe. It is situated between the Limfjord and Mariager Fjord and is flanked by the towns of Mou, Kongerslev and Øster Hurup.

Protection/IBA Status: 
Lille Vildmose has been a nature reserve under various preservation orders since 2004. The total size of the preserved area is 7646 hectares. Most of Lille Vildmose has been appointed an EU Bird Protection Area and most of the bog is encompassed by Denmark's Nature Protection Law. Lille Vildmose and the two forests Tofte Skov and Høstemark Skov, towards the west, have been appointed EU Habitat Areas. BirdLife International has nominated Lille Vildmose as an IBA.

Important Birds:    
Cormorant, Marsh Harrier, Golden Eagle, Black Stork, Hen Harrier, Common Crane, Wood Sandpiper, Honey Buzzard, Eagle Owl, Short-eared Owl, Black Woodpecker, Red-backed Shrike, Nightjar, Woodlark, Whooper Swan, Bean Goose. 

Habitat:   
In the stone age much of this area was part of the ancient Litorina seabed. The coastline was then the hilly landscape that is now 10 km further inland. Over time, sand-banks and land rises transformed this sea into a brackish lagoon, which later became a fresh water lake. This, in turn, was transformed into a raised bog, thus creating one of Denmark’s youngest landscapes.

Despite various drainage projects in the past, the raised bog Tofte Mose remains, and forms part of an enclosed deer park together with the lake of Tofte Sø and the Tofte Skov forest. The red deer maintain the forest in its original state and introduced wild boars have also made an impact on the forest floor. To the north of this area, only minor stretches of raised bog remain around the area used for commercial peat digging. In the north of the area is another enclosed area: Høstemark Skov, which is also a grazing forest for red deer. 

Birds and other Wildlife:   
Several of Denmark’s rarest birds breed (or have bred) in Lille Vildmose. The Black Stork has not bred here since 1951, but there is still hope that it may find its way back one day. The Golden Eagle has only recently started breeeding here again. The colony of Cormorants breeding at Tofte Sø has been one of the largest in the country for many years. The area attracts more than 1% of the worlds migrating population of Whooper Swan in the winter months.

Visiting and Access:
There is public access to Portlandsmosen, Porsemosen, Paraplymosen, Lillesø and Birkesø, as well as along roads and pathways in the peat-digging area. On the other hand, there is strictly no public access to Høstemark Skov, Tofte Skov, Toftesø, and Tofte Mose. However, a great deal of the area can be enjoyed from the surrounding public roads and from observation towers: Høstemark tower on Hegnsvej at the south-east corner of Høstemark Mose; the "old" Toftesø tower, north of Toftesø; a new tower (2004) approx. 200 m further north, at the edge of Toftesø (with car park); and Tofte Skov tower in the south-eastern part of Tofte Skov, which one gets to from the car park north of Øster Hurup via a tunnel under the east coast road (Østkystvej).  Finally, a hide has recently been constructed at Lillesø.

Much of the area is now owned by the Aage V. Jensen Charity Foundation, who have also published a three-language pamphlet about the area, with a useful map.

Løgstør Bredning

Goosander in Frederik d. VIIs Kanal in Løgstør, having found shelter from the hurricane, 14.01.07

Location: 
Løgstør Bredning is one of a number of broad inland waters of the Limfjord. This location covers 9581 ha, which is mainly inland sea, but also includes the island of Livø and some coastal meadows bordering the bay.

Protection/IBA Status:  
The entire Løgstør Bredning locality has been appointed an EU Bird Protection Area and an EU Habitat Area. The whole area is also an IBA. Hunting, mainly on duck, takes place along the coast from Vitskøl Kloster up to Rønbjerg. Fishing is permitted in Bjørnsholm Å, providing one has a permit. There are various nature reserves in the area. Livø is under a general preservation order. Livø Tap and the adjoining waters are a nature reserve.   

Important Birds:  
Cormorant, Whooper Swan, Bewick's Swan, Pink-footed Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Scaup, Velvet Scoter, Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, Goosander, Avocet, Arctic Tern, Little Tern and Red-backed Shrike.    

Habitat:  
Most of the area is inland sea. Along the coast are some meadows and sand-banks. The island of Livø covers 320 ha and is situated approx 13 km south-west of Løgstør. It is a peaceful island, popular with campers. Livø has a very varied scenery: beach, heath, meadow, pine forest, beech wood, lakes, moraine “cliffs”, bogs and farmland. 26% of the island is devoted to organic farming, whilst 20% is grazed by Aberdeen Angus cattle. The spit at Livø Tap stretches for 5 km to the south-east, but only 3 km is generally above water level. 

Birds and other Wildlife:  
The locality is an important bird site, particularly for migrant birds, but also for a few breeding birds. Little Tern breed here, and more than 1% of the world's migrant population of Pink-footed Goose, Wigeon, Goldeneye and Red-breasted Merganser are regular visitors to the area. 

Visiting and Access: 
Although Løgstør Bredning can be viewed from all the surrounding countryside, the following 5 sub-localites are limited to the island of Livø and to the eastern coast between Vitskøl Kloster and Aggersundbro bridge. 

1) Livø: Apart from private boat, which can be moored at the island’s small harbour, there is a summer ferry link from 1st April until the first Sunday in October, sailing between Livø and Rønbjerg Harbour. At Livø there is a camp site, and accommodation can also be had at the inn. There is one general store on the island. Livø Tap is the only ‘no trespassing’ area on the island, but, by means of a telescope, one can observe the wildlife on it from Hesselbjerg. All the island can be explored using the pathway maps published by the Forestry and Nature Agency. These are available free of charge on the ferry and on the island or can be downloaded from www.skovognatur.dk/Udgivelser/Vandretursfoldere/atilaa/Livoe

2) The 19 km coast from Vitskøl Kloster to the Aggersundbro Bridge offers excellent beach walks where it is possible to observe migrant staging birds, or just enjoy the seabirds.

3) At the monastery of Vitskøl Kloster situated on route 533, the Bjørnsholm Å runs under the road. North of the stream is a farm track that runs along the stream to the coast where there are good parking facilities. The mouth of the stream offers good views over the fjord, where ducks on passage can often be seen.

4) At Rønbjerg Harbour birds can be watched from the harbour itself (or take the ferry over to Livø.) North of the harbour there is access to the beach. At the start of the dirt road next to the Rønbjerg Holiday centre, a signpost says “Til Stranden” (to the beach.) At the end of the road there is a car park with good views for bird watching.

5) Lendrup Sandø is the place to go for observing waders. There is a path close to the sea along Frederik d. VIIs Kanal . The best place to park is at the Limfjord Museum in Løgstør. Walk approx 1 km out to Lendrup Sandø. This is also a good point from which to view the fjord. It can also be rewarding to keep an eye on the canal for sightings.

6) Driving from Løgstør to the Aggersundbro there is a good car park just before the Kalkværket (chalk works). Stop here and walk up to the viewpoint, observing the meadows and enjoying the far vistas of Borreholm lying out in the Limfjord. A telescope is a must.

DOF Northern Jutland

Madum Sø

 
Madum Sø, largest lake in the Himmerland area. Photo: Niels Fabæk. 

Location: 
Madum Sø, covering 204 ha, is the biggest lake in the Himmerland area. Situated approx. 15 km north of Mariager, it is a kettle hole lake, formed as a consequence of the last ice age. It is a relatively shallow lake, its deepest spot being 7.5 m. 

Protection/IBA Status:
The lake and forest have been appointed an EU Bird Protection Area and an EU Habitat Area. Madum Sø and its nearest surroundings came under Denmark's general Preservation Law in 1986. The area is an IBA.       

Important Birds:   
Goldeneye, Black-headed gull.

Habitat:   
Madum Sø is a so-called Lobelia lake, with characteristic clear, nutrient-deficient acidic water, with no humus to colour the water. It is so named after the plant Water Lobelia, which thrives only in water with these characteristics. Good populations of Shoreweed and Spiny Quillwort are also found in the lake. Unfortunately, it seems as if nutrient-rich water is somehow entering the lake, as algae are found increasingly in summer, whilst the reedbeds around the lake are expanding. On the eastern bank, a promontory stretches out into the lake, and aquatic insects proliferate in the reedbeds west of this bar. The former heathland lake is now surrounded by forest. Adjacent to the lake the wood is predominantly a mixture of pine, alder and birch. The lake has high recreational value, mostly for outings, riding, walking and bathing. Fishing and sailing are not permitted. The forest surrounding the lake is privately owned and used commercially. The resident deer are carefully protected through game management.

Birds and other Wildlife :  
Madum Sø is a staging area for waterfowl such as Goldeneye, Tufted Duck and, to a certain extend, Mallard. During migration the lake is visited by Ospreys foraging on the lake’s Pike and Perch. Except for Crested Grebe and Coot who nest here regularly, the lake does not have much significance as a breeding area. In the forest, smaller woodland birds are found, as well as Buzzard, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Long-eared Owl, Tawny Owl, Black Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker and Raven. During winter months the lake is visited by Whooper Swan, Goosander and Smew.

Visiting and Access :  
Even though all the area is privately owned, there is public access to Madum Sø. It is possible to walk around the lake on a marked path. On the eastern bank there is a car park with a fine view of the lake. From here it is possible to walk eastwards to Langmosen (the long bog) - a fair-sized bog in the forest.

Skagen

Location:
The area surrounding the town of Skagen at the northermost tip of Jutland is one of the most well-known and important localities from which to observe spring migration in Denmark, being especially famous for raptor migration and rarities.

Habitat:
North of the town of Skagen, the area is characterized by rather flat marshes and heath, spreading out to the coast. In the north is a wide sandy beach, which tapers into the spit known as Grenen, reaching out towards the east: a popular goal for tourists. South of the town, the landscape is a mixture of plantations and sand dunes, some of the dunes being quite high and thereby good points from which to view the migrating birds.

Birds and other Wildlife:
The first migrating birds can be seen as soon as the winter weather becomes milder, usually in March, when Lark, Lapwing, Crow, Jackdaw, etc. start apppearing. As the weather warms up, these are joined by Woodpigeon, Stock Dove and Mistle Thrush. When April comes, the number of birds migrating increases day by day. Birds of the pigeon and crow families and many species of passerines, particularly, increase in number, and Sparrowhawks begin to migrate in appreciable numbers. It is around this time that the first Ospreys appear. There is also a good chance of seeing White-tailed Eagle or Golden Eagle. On good days in April, hundreds of thousands of birds pass over, with Chaffinch and Brambling dominating. Ducks, waders, terns and gulls move along the coast.

At the end of April/beginning of May, more and more long-distance migrants arrive, such as swallows, warblers, and other insect-eaters. This is the peak of the season for Rough-legged Buzzard, Osprey and Merlin. Flycatchers, Winchats and Swifts turn up a little later and finally, around the middle of May, the last arrivals such as Garden Warbler, Marsh Warbler and Scarlet Rosefinch arrive from the south. At the same time, Honey Buzzard, Hobby, Red-footed Falcon, Montagu’s Harrier and Black Stork may be seen. Bee-eater and Serin are regular visitors. The migration period continues into June.

At this time, the local breeding birds are in place. Scarlet Rosefinch can be heard singing in the thickets. The area was once famous for breeding Tawny Pipit, but, sadly, there are hardly any breeding pairs left. A number of marsh birds breed in the nature reserve and Nightjar can be heard in the plantations on quiet evenings.

The beaches attract terns, gulls and waders which have finished breeding. As summer declines, increasing numbers of Arctic Skuas can be seen offshore, and in autumn – if westerly winds prevail – there are good chances of seeing Kittiwake, Fulmar, Gannet and Great Skua. Sometimes also rarities such as Manx Shearwater, Sooty Shearwater, Sabine’s Gull, Storm Petrel and Leach’s Storm Petrel. From mid-October, large numbers of seabirds, especially Razorbill and Guillemot, can be seen moving over the sea, with now and again a Little Auk or Puffin.

It is especially raptor migration that has made Skagen famous as a birding locality. Both the number of species and the total number of raptors makes Skagen unique among European bird sites. The migration lasts from mid-March to well into June, with the different species each having a particular peak period. Numbers are very much dependent on the weather, but usually a spell of easterly winds will bring a good many. The birds use the thermals above the sand dunes and plantations to spiral upwards – a sight not to be forgotten when loops of Buzzard and other raptors – perhaps even an eagle – circle slowly round high up in the sky before heading out over the sea.

Apart from the thrill of the raptor migration, Skagen is also an exciting place to be in spring because of the chance of spotting rarities. The best opportunity is in May/June when warm fronts come from the south and south-east. As an example, rarities spotted the last few years have included Pallid Harrier, Imperial Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, Red-rumped Swallow, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Black-headed Bunting and Cinereous Bunting.

Visiting and Access:
Skagen is easily reached by car, or by train from Frederikshavn. Once in Skagen, it may be a good idea to use a bicycle to get around (can be hired at the tourist office). There are several localities in the area which are recommended for birdwatching:

1. The North Beach (Nordstranden) is a good observation post in the morning in spring, as birds migrating over both sea and land can be seen. In autumn, this is a good place to see seabirds, especially when the winds are blowing between north and south-east. The beach can be reached from the end of Batterivej, which is a small road turning off to the left on the outskirts of the town, on the way to the spit of Grenen.

2. The Nature Reserve is an elongated stretch of marshy ground with small ponds, reedbeds, rushes and willow scrub running parallel to the coast, east of the end of Batterivej. In spring, many marsh birds such as Marsh Harrier, Water Rail, Grasshopper Warbler etc. can be spotted here. In summer, Little Grebe, Water Rail and Reed Warbler breed here. It is easiest to view the reserve from the surrounding dunes.

3. Batterivej itself and an adjacent road called Buttersti are two roads that are good look-out posts in spring for passerines on migration. The small hillocks along Batterivej are often popular with twitchers.

4. The Alder Thicket (Ellekrattet) is located a few hundred meters west of the large car park at Grenen. The thicket is surrounded by marshy ground and a little pond, and in spring a wide variety of passerines (sometimes rarities) can stop off here.

5. Flagbakken is a hill south of the main road just before it reaches Skagen from the south. It can usually be spotted easily due to the flock of birdwatchers standing at the top. The small car park at the bottom is usually crowded on good migration days, so parking along the roadside is necessary. From the top, there is a marvellous view. This is a particularly good look-out post if the wind is from the north, or if there is only a slight wind coming from different directions.

6. Storklit (Pælebakkeklit) is the highest of the dunes on the Skagerrak coast. It is unbeatable as a look-out post in spring if the winds are blowing from east to south, especially in May/June. It can be reached from the path known as Gyvelstien, which leads round part of Skagen plantation. There is a car park adjacent to the main road (to the left when approaching Skagen from the south). This is a good starting point for a walk round the plantation, which is always worth a visit, but especially in May or June when a great variety of woodland birds can be seen.

A map of the plantation can be found in the folder published by the Forestry and Nature Agency, and which is available at the tourist office or can be downloaded from www.skovognatur.dk/Udgivelser/Vandretursfoldere/atilaa/Skagen
In the peak season, there are so many birdwatchers around that it is easy to ask someone for advice about the best spots to watch from.

It may be of interest to know that a local group of ornithologists, with support from DOF, have initiated what is known as Skagen Birding Festival (Skagen Fuglefestival) which takes place every year in May, starting on Ascension Day (which is always a Thursday) and continuing four days to the following Sunday. The festival includes an art exhibition, an information center, ringing of birds, bird walks and an “Open Air” event on Flagbakken. For more information, take a look at their website on www.sff.dofnord.dk/ (and find “English version”).

Skagerak & the South-West Norwegian Channel

Location:  
This locality is actually the sea between north-east Denmark and south-west Norway. The best way to make sightings of the seabirds are from a ferry or a fishing boat, but there are also some good localities on land from which it is possible to observe seabirds. These are at: Skagens Gren (the northernmost spit of Denmark), Roshage near Hanstholm, and to a lesser degree Bulbjerg, Lild Strand and Hirtshals - all on the north-west coast of Denmark.      

Habitat:   
From the north-west coast of Denmark the depth of the sea gradually increases to 50 metres at 30 to 40 km out to sea. The depth then plummets to 200-300 metres, and finally to 400 metres in the middle of the channel.
   
Birds and other Wildlife:   
This huge area is important for staging and wintering Fulmar, Gannet, Great Skua, Herring Gull, Guillemot, Razorbill and Little Auk. Under normal weather conditions these species roam far out to sea, but during - or immediately after - westerly storms, they are often “blown in” towards the Danish west coast, and can be observed from the above-mentioned locations.

Visiting and Access :      
Apart from the observation points on land mentioned above, the seabirds can also be viewed from one of the many ferries crossing the Skagerak. The birds are often dispersed far and wide, but they can sometimes be spotted in flocks, attracted to fishing vessels. Fulmars often follow in the wake of ferries, taking advantage of the vessel’s slipstream.    

From Hirtshals or Hanstholm it is possible to book a trip on one of the fishing boats that take anglers out to Det gule Rev (The Yellow Reef ). Besides fishing and watching birds, with a little luck one can spot whales such as White-beaked Dolphin. 

Nibe Bredning, Gjøl Bredning and Ulvedybet

Location:  
Nibe Bredning and Gjøl Bredning are just two of the broad stretches of inland waters in the Limfjord, situated north of the town of Nibe. Ulvedybet is situated north of Nibe and Gjøl Bredning, and is an arm of the Limfjord that has been dammed, with several islets and holms.

Protection/IBA Status:   
Nibe Bredning, Gjøl Bredning and Ulvedybet are protected by the General Danish Preservation Law as Nature Reserves, and are both Ramsar and EU Bird Protection Areas. There is no public access to Ulvedybet. The whole area has also been declared an IBA. 

Important Birds:  
Cormorant, Bittern, Spoonbill, Mute Swan, Bewick's Swan, Whooper Swan, Pink-footed Goose, Greylag Goose, Pink-bellied Brent Goose, Wigeon, Teal, Pintail, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, Goosander, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Montagu's Harrier, Peregrine, Coot, Avocet, Kentish Plover, Golden Plover, Dunlin, Ruff, Wood Sandpiper, Common Gull, Sandwich Tern, Common Tern, Arctic Tern, Little Tern, Red-backed Shrike. 
 
Habitat:   
The Nibe and Gjøl Bredning reserve is a 3 - 4 m deep area of fjord with two 5 - 10 m deep navigation channels between Ålborg and Løgstør. Otherwise, shallow water basins, sand-banks and mussel banks prevail. It is surrounded by coastal meadows and many kilometres of dykes, one - the Øland-Attrup Dam - being 10 km long. Staun-Barmer-Valsted Meadows are the last salt meadows which have been preserved in the eastern Limfjord.

The Ulvedybet Nature Reserve is a former arm of the Limfjord, now cut off from it by a dyke. After former unsuccessful attempts to drain the area, it is now a brackish lake, with shallow waters only 1-1.5 m deep, varying according to wind and weather.

The open water is surrounded by reed-beds and meadows, in which there are several small ponds and swamps. Part of the land is grazed by cattle, but the reserve is rapidly becoming overgrown. During the later years sheep have been introduced for grazing.  

Birds and other Wildlife:  
The islets and holms in the Nibe-Gjøl Bredning Reserve are home to some of Denmark’s largest populations of gulls. More than 5000 pairs of Herring Gulls, a couple of thousand pairs of Common Gull, and approx 1000 pairs of Lesser Black-backed Gull nest on these islets.

During the 1980’s, Europe’s largest colony of Black-headed Gull bred on Klosterholm near Nibe, but the colony has since disappeared. On the islets one also finds colonies of Arctic Tern (150 pairs), Avocet (approx 100 pairs), Cormorant ( approx 800 pairs) and Oystercatcher (150 pairs). A few pairs of the threatened Southern Dunlin Calidris alpina schinzii breed on these islets too. A large colony of Spoonbills (2004/16 pairs) are found on the reserve, and these rare ibis have been breeding here since 1996. An expanding population of Greylag Goose (approx 20 pairs) have settled on the islets, which also host a new breeding population of Eider (at least 10 pairs).

Of staging birds the numbers of Wigeon can be spectacular. The ducks forage on Eel-grass, which they can reach in periods with low water. In October-November 1993 a count of 25,000 Wigeon was made in the area. The distribution of Eel-grass has, however, been reduced considerably during the last years due to emissions of nitrates and phosphates. As the Eel-grass has disappeared, so have the Wigeon, whose numbers have now declined to a few thousand. Pink-footed and Brent Geese, which breed on Spitzbergen, have been observed in the reserve during the winter period since the beginning of the 1990’s.

The Spitzbergen population of Pink-footed and Brent Geese are among the most vulnerable and threatened  geese in the world. During the winter of 1998-99 a count of 3,200 Pink-footed and Brent Geese was carried out in Nibe Harbour. This means that more than half of the Spitzbergen population, in one flock, used the Nibe-Gjøl Bredning Reserve for winter quarters. Lately, the Pink-footed and Brent Geese have spread out over larger areas in the Limfjord, each group now comprising fewer individuals. Pink-footed and Brent Geese also use the reserve as an important staging area. In March/April 2006 8000 Pink-footed Brent Geese were counted: a quarter of the total Spitzbergen population.  

Nibe-Gjøl Bredning Reserve can also, during winter passage, house several thousand Goldeneye, up to 1000 Red-breasted Merganser, and just as many Goosander. Further south in Halkjær Bredning concentrations of approx. 5000 Tufted Duck and 1000 Pochard have been observed.

Ulvedybet Reserve is one of North Jutland’s most important locations for ducks and waders that stop over. The area is of international importance for Mute Swan, Whooper Swan and Bewick's Swan. The edges of the reserve are also important areas for staging and foraging birds of prey and waders. Amongst others, Buzzard, Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier, Golden Plover and Lapwing.

Visiting and Access :
Nibe Bredning and Gjøl Bredning Reserve are closed for public access, but most of the area can be observed from public roads. There is no access to the islands, islets and holms in the fjord during the birds’ breeding season: 01.04. - 15.07. There are various restrictions on how one can move and what one can do in the reserve: for example, there are hunting restrictions/prohibitions, and it is forbidden to use jet skis, water scooters and the like.

There is strictly no access to Ulvedybet Nature Reserve, yet, surprisingly enough, there is a causeway traversing the reserve, offering good views on both sides of the dam: north towards the brackish lake, south over the fjord.

The first 100 m of the fjord on the south side of the dam is part of the reserve. It is recommended to observe the area either from Bjerget (this means "mountain" but could more realistically be called a hillock!), at the car park immediately east of the causeway, where one can overview the entire reserve, or from the observation tower at the causeway’s westerly end.

From the tower there are good possibilities of watching the birds in the low water area in the south-west corner of the reserve, which is a favoured area for breeding, foraging and staging ducks and waders.