Description
Ölstadsjön is a nature reserve and one of the best sites for dabbling ducks in the municipality of Finspång. Although not nearly as good as the sites on the Östgöta plain Taumönd, Urtönd, Stokkönd, Rauðhöfðaönd and Skeiðönd have all been sighted. The lake has a quite restricted area of open water so the amounts are often lacking. Other common ducks of the diving kind have also been observed. The lake was once known for its population of breeding Flórgoði, and even Stargoði although they are both now gone. Around the lake relatively large amounts of geese often rest all seasons except winter. Most common are Helsingi, Kanadagæs and Grágæs, although Blesgæs also have been sighted. Mjallhegri has been sighted and Gráhegri is common.
The area around Ölstadsjön is rich in birds of prey with wetland birds like Brúnheiðir, Músvákur, Fjallvákur, Haförn, and Bláheiðir often beein observed along with visitors from the forest like Sparrhaukur, Gáshaukur and Gjóður.
On the field Sönglævirki, Trjástelkur, Þistilfinka, Stari Vepja, Þúfutittlingur and Hörfinka are often seen. Even Kornhæna has been heard. In the lake some gulls and tern are often sighted.
In the reeds Keldusvín, Seftittlingur, Sefþvari (not often), Síkjasöngvari, and Sefsöngvari are observed.
Details
Access
There are 2 parking spots and 3 birding towers/platforms around the lake. At the northern parking spot it is extremely easy to get to the platform. There are a few trails around the lake. Click on the P in the map for directions.


