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Description
Sømosen is situated west of the suburb of Herlev, next to Lautrupparken. The green area, of which one third is a park with grass and scattered bushes, is neighbour to many large institutions and popular for a short walk in the open air. The bog itself was formed in a hollow after the last Ice Age. It is drained by the stream of Sømose Å. The bog was previously very overgrown, but during the 1980’s the municipality of Ballerup carried out an extensive re-establishment project, opening up large stretches of water and recreating islands and islets where birds can breed without being disturbed. Sømosen has developed into a little oasis with a rich birdlife. In addition to the large colony of Riječni Galeb, three species of grebe breed here ( Mali Gnjurac, Ćubasti Gnjurac and Riđogrli Gnjurac), together with many waterfowl. Waders include Vivak and Kulik Sljepčić. Crvenokljuna Čigra breed here and can be seen foraging throughout the summer. Passerines include Kukavica, Mrki Slavuj and many warblers. The biggest attraction for birdwatchers is probably breeding Sjenica Mošnjarka. However, the tits have unfortunately not nested here the last few years, although they can sometimes be spotted in the area in spring.
Sømosen is also an excellent locality for migrating and staging birds both spring and autumn. Geese, ducks ( Patka Pupčanica , Kržulja , Patka Lastarka , Zviždara , Patka Kreketaljka and Patka Žličarka ) can be observed. Raptors include a fair number of Škanjac and smaller numbers of Škanjac osaš, together with infrequent visitors such as Crvena lunja, Škanjac gaćaš, Štekavac, Eja Strnjarica, Eja Močvarica, Bukoč (often seen foraging) – and with some luck Mali Sokol and Sivi Sokol. Bukavac has been observed on a few occasions. If there are easterly winds flocks of Ždral may appear. Many waders ( Oštrigar , Vivak , Kulik Sljepčić , Krivokljuna Prutka , Crnokrila Prutka , Prutka Migavica , Mala Prutka, Šljuka Kokošica og af og til Šumska šljuka ).
In addition, Mali tamnoleđi galeb and Veliki tamnoleđi galeb and even Velika čigra are occasionally seen. Also sparrows, a lot of larks, pipers, wagtails, swallows, thrushes and finches rest and pull in and over the bog. Brkata Sjenica is seen occasionally. Šumska Crvenperka , Smeđoglavi Batić, Sivkasta Bjeloguza, Muharica, Crnoglava Muharica, Rusi Svračak and Sjeverna juričica and Lesser Redpoll are seen regularly. Veliki Trstenjak has visited the bog for a single year.
In the winter months many wildfowl can be seen and visitors from northern Scandinavia may turn up: Žutokljuni Labud, Guska Glogovnjača and Kanadska guska. In periods of frost, one may be lucky enough to see Kokošica foraging at close range in Sømose Å or even a Mala Šljuka. In some years there can be invasions of Drozd Bravenjak, Mali Drozd or Kugara, and many colourful finches.
Details
Access
If using public transport, Sømosen is most easily reached from Copenhagen by taking bus 350S and getting off at Københavns Teknikum (the Copenhagen University College of Engineering) in Ballerup. One can also take the local 167/168 bus from Herlev Station (get off at Herlev Stadium and walk down Rørløkken to Sømosen). If coming by car, it is possible to park on Vingekrogen. There is a bird observation tower in the south-east corner of the bog, and in the north-east corner is a jetty which is very useful as a look-out post.