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Description
Stensparken is an easily accessible city park a stone's throw from Bislett Stadium. Despite its relatively small size and central location, over 60 species have been observed in and around the park to date. Though Stensparken is at its best during spring and autumn migration, it can be a fruitful place to bird at all times of year. It rewards an early start, preferably at the weekend, as the noise and hustle from the surrounding city are not conducive to birding.
Commonly seen birds which may interest visiting birders include Fieldfare (all year), Hawfinch (all year), Redwing (spring and autumn) and Common Redpoll (autumn-winter). Gulls—European Herring Gull and Common Gull)—and corvids—Hooded Crow and Magpie—dominate the birdlife, while the flock of feral Rock Dove that sun themselves on the roof of the church may attract the attentions of Peregrine Falcon and even Eurasian Goshawk midwinter.
The upper part of Stensparken, called Blåsen, is not built up as a formal part of the park, but is left more unkempt - great for birds! At 81 metres above sea level, Blåsen is one of the highest points in the inner city, and there are fantastic views from here. Very occasionally, some migrants that are not associated with the inner city will turn up here, most notably Red-backed Shrike in 2022.
Otherwise, Blåsen provides a vantage point to observe flyovers, and when conditions are right, for following migration. Stensparken is a great place to witness the passage of thousands of Pink-footed Goose right over the city in early spring, and Greylag Goose and Whooper Swan can also be noted heading north as winter slowly releases its grip. With favourable conditions in the autumn, large flocks of Brambling and Common Chaffinch, as well as a steady stream of Meadow Pipit , can be seen and heard migrating south.
In the peak migration month of May, singing warblers make their presence felt. Willow Warbler and Common Chiffchaff will move off as the season rolls on, but Blackcap likely breeds in the park. While spring sees the greatest diversity of species, winter can provide good birding as well, with finches such as Eurasian Bullfinch and, occasionally, Common Crossbill moving in from the forests to spice up the usual crowd of Greenfinch , European Goldfinch and Eurasian Siskin .
Details
Access
Stensparken is easily accessible from the centre of Oslo on foot or by public transport. Trams and buses stop at Bislett, a local transport hub which is no more than a couple of minutes' walk from the park.
Start at the bottom of the park by Fagerborg Church, and make sure to check the spire closely, especially in wintry weather - if you're lucky, a Peregrine Falcon may be sat there. Follow the paths around the park, looking and listening for finches, thrushes and tits, such as Blackbird, European Goldfinch and Eurasian Blue Tit.
At the very top of the park, a set of steps will lead you up to the navigation column on Blåsen, where you will have fantastic views over the city. Shyer species can be found in the scrub up here, and you'll be able to spot anything flying over with ease. In the autumn, look out for roving Fieldfare flocks that drop down to eat berries, perhaps with Bohemian Waxwing in tow.