Flatholmen
Flatholmen in the municipality of Sola is an exciting place for bird watching, with a rich and varied bird life all year round. The island was protected for bird life as early as 1935 as one of the first Norwegian bird conservation areas, and in 2003 the preserve became part of the Jærstranddene Landscape Area. With its 90 acres and a maximum height of 13m at the lighthouse, Flatholmen provides a unique, low-lying landscape that is easily accessible by small boat in good weather conditions.
The flatholm is especially valuable for bird lovers who will observe species such as gulls, eider, mallard, beach pied lark and rock sparrow. In earlier times, the island housed a large colony of terns, but these disappeared when the mink established itself around 1965. The island has nevertheless retained its status as an important breeding ground forseveral seabird species. Visitors must follow the rules of the Bird Sanctuary which protect the birds from disturbance, ensuring that the island remains a safe haven for the diverse birdlife.
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More information about Flatholmen (flatholmenfyr.no)
Rott
Rott is a fantastic bird-watching destination, with a diverse birdlife and historic conservation areas. Protected for birdlife in 1936, and since 2003 part of the Jærstranddene Landscape Conservation Area, Rott provides visitors with the opportunity to see a variety of seabirds and waders in their natural environment. The island is home to nesting populations of species such as blackback, herring gull, grey gull and fish gull. In addition, there are some pairs of terns and waders such as the warbler, warbler and redstalk.
Historically, the island has been a habitat for alcoves and puffins, although these populations have declined sharply over the years. Today, you can still experience eider, duck and mallard in the area. The conservation of the island ensures that the birds are allowed to nest in peace, but visitors must be aware of the conservation regulations to avoid disturbance. With its diverse birdlife and scenic setting, Rott is a gem for bird enthusiasts.
Kjørholmane
Kjørholmane Nature reserve is an ideal spot for bird watching and is home to one of Norway's southernmost nesting areas for seabirds such as kittiwakes and puffins. Created as a nature reserve in 1970, Kjørholmane — consisting of islands such as Nordkjør, Storekjør and Hengsøy — is a haven for several bird species. The reserve is also notable for having one of the largest colonies of top cormorants south of Runde.
Visitors can observe species such as theist, alke, guillemot and seahorse, as well as several gull species such as blackback, herring gull and grey gull. In addition, ducklings and wintering alkefowl can be found, while small birds such as starlings and shearwater larks create life on the islands all year round. Birdwatchers can see colonies of kittiwakes and top cormorants in the steep cliff areas, as well as beautiful puffins that thrive in the reserve's cozy nooks and crannies. The area's strict conservation regulations ensure a safe environment for both birds and visitors, and provide an outstanding natural experience along the Jær beaches.
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Haga Nature Reserve
This nature reserve offers a unique experience for birdwatchers with its lush oak forest and proximity to the sea. This protected forest on Jæren is a refuge for many bird species that thrive in the area's varied vegetation and sheltered lee from Hansaberget. Here you can experience various small birds and forest species, especially in the summer months when the flora is at its richest. Access occurs best along the waterfront, where several fence cleavers provide easy access to this scenic area.
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Storamyr Nature Reserve
This is a wonderful place for bird watching, known for its rich bird life with more than 100 recorded species, including over 20 endangered species. The bog area, which is also a Ramsar site, serves as an important breeding ground for sparrow birds and as a nesting and wintering site for wetland birds. Here you can experience species such as thorn warbler and single brook brook, especially in the humid swampy areas and coastal heather heath to the south. The reserve is easily accessible and visible from the Tananger ring road and the surrounding heights, making it a popular destination for local birdwatchers, nature interested and schools.
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Hagavågen
Hagavågen Nature reserve is ideal for bird watching, especially for those wishing to observe a varied wetland life. This 360 acre reserve, of which 50 acres is land, is known for its mud flats with quayside mark, which attract many wading birds such as marsh snipe, lapspove, dwarf snipe, tjeld and sandlo. Graving ducks can often be seen here, and in deeper water, eider, sea urchin, divers and jackdaws overwinter. The eelgrass meadows provide important habitat for the birds, and visitors get a great natural experience along the old road on the reserve's west side.
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Harvalandsvatnet
Harvalandsvatnet Nature reserve, created in 1996 and a Ramsar site, is a valuable bird habitat with over 330 acres of wetland area, including 142 acres of land. The lake, surrounded by cultural landscapes, is an important resting place and breeding ground for wetland birds such as the top duck, coot, and top diver, as well as sparrow birds such as reed sparrow and reed warbler. In winter, large flocks of singing swans and other duck birds draw here. Visitors can observe the birdlife from Byberg and Harvaland or take a scenic round trip from Hellestø over the beach embankment at Byberg and back via Harvalandsvegen.
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Grannesbukta and Strandnesvågen
Grannesbukta and Strandnesvågen nature reserves, both created in 1996, are important marine wetland areas on Jæren. Granes Bay, at 63 acres, is known for its migratory and wintering area for wetland birds, with valuable vegetation such as autumn call and flap melange. The best view point is from Løneset. Strandnesvågen, at 131 acres, is particularly valuable for waders and ducks that seek sustenance on the large mud flats at low tide. The area's mussel deposits attract eider and sea urchin, and in winter large other flocks can be observed. Rock crunches around the bay provide ample opportunities to study bird life.
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