) to insert bird names in your own language. The birdnames will automatically be translated for other users!
Upload images
Allowed image types are jpeg,png,gif
Max file size is 20MB
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 Hettumáfur, three species of grebe breed here ( Dverggoði, Toppgoði and Sefgoði), together with many waterfowl. Waders include Vepja and Vatnalóa. Sílaþerna breed here and can be seen foraging throughout the summer. Passerines include Gaukur, Húmgali and many warblers. The biggest attraction for birdwatchers is probably breeding Pungmeisa. 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 ( Taumönd , Urtönd , Grafönd , Rauðhöfðaönd , Gargönd and Skeiðönd ) can be observed. Raptors include a fair number of Músvákur and smaller numbers of Býþjór, together with infrequent visitors such as Svölugleða, Fjallvákur, Haförn, Bláheiðir, Brúnheiðir, Gjóður (often seen foraging) – and with some luck Smyrill and Förufálki. Sefþvari has been observed on a few occasions. If there are easterly winds flocks of Grátrana may appear. Many waders ( Tjaldur , Vepja , Vatnalóa , Lyngstelkur , Trjástelkur , Flóastelkur , Lindastelkur, Hrossagaukur og af og til Skógarsnípa ).
In addition, Sílamáfur and Svartbakur and even Ránþerna are occasionally seen. Also sparrows, a lot of larks, pipers, wagtails, swallows, thrushes and finches rest and pull in and over the bog. Kampameisa is seen occasionally. Garðaskotta , Vallskvetta, Steindepill, Grágrípur, Flekkugrípur, Þyrnisvarri and Auðnutittlingur and Birkifinka are seen regularly. Reyrsöngvari 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: Álft, Akurgæs and Kanadagæs. In periods of frost, one may be lucky enough to see Keldusvín foraging at close range in Sømose Å or even a Dvergsnípa. In some years there can be invasions of Gráþröstur, Skógarþröstur or Silkitoppa, 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.