Description
During late April and early May hundreds of metsähanhi and tundrametsähanhi are staging at lake Ostträsket. Most other species of geese also occurr in smaller numbers, as well as laulujoutsen and Kurki. Until a few decades kiljuhanhi was regular here but it is nowadays very rare. Dabbling ducks may stay in good numbers, especially tavi and sinisorsa. teeri are lekking on the fields around Tällåsen.
There are plenty of Kurki also in August and September (up till several thousands). merihanhi is the most numerous goose species during the autumn. Raptors like merikotka, sinisuohaukka, ampuhaukka or muuttohaukka are regular. arosuohaukka is more or less annual. Often interesting passerines feed on the fields, as lapinsirkku or pulmunen.
Though a visit may prove nice at any time of year, the summer months yield less birds. The amount of breeding birds in the lake is low, but it is used by feeding pikkulokki, and nuolihaukka and sääksi (kalasääski) are not uncommon.
Details
Access
The only practical way to access Ostträsket is by Tällåsen in the western part. There is an informal vantage point in the village, as well as a birding tower by the meadows. To see Kurki or geese during the days you may want to drive around on the public roads between Drängsmark, Kågegården and Kåge.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Wetland , Lake , AgricultureConditions
Flat , Wet , Open landscapeCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
Spring , AutumnBest time to visit
Spring migration , Autumn , SpringRoute
Unpaved road , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , CarBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
The geese and Kurki usually spend the night on the lake's ice or in the flooded meadows, and fly to the fields when sun rises. They tend to feed in a large area around the villages of Drängsmark and Kåge, but often near the lake at Tällåsen which is also the best spot to see them flying to and from the night quarters. The best time to visit is about April 20th until May 5th, or in autumn around September 1st-20th.

