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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 Hettemåke, three species of grebe breed here ( Dvergdykker, Toppdykker and Gråstrupedykker), together with many waterfowl. Waders include Vipe and Dverglo. Makrellterne breed here and can be seen foraging throughout the summer. Passerines include Gjøk, Nattergal and many warblers. The biggest attraction for birdwatchers is probably breeding Pungmeis. 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 ( Knekkand , Krikkand , Stjertand , Brunnakke , Snadderand and Skjeand ) can be observed. Raptors include a fair number of Musvåk and smaller numbers of Vepsevåk, together with infrequent visitors such as Glente, Fjellvåk, Havørn, Myrhauk, Sivhauk, Fiskeørn (often seen foraging) – and with some luck Dvergfalk and Vandrefalk. Rørdrum has been observed on a few occasions. If there are easterly winds flocks of Trane may appear. Many waders ( Tjeld , Vipe , Dverglo , Gluttsnipe , Skogsnipe , Grønnstilk , Strandsnipe, Enkeltbekkasin og af og til Rugde ).
In addition, Sildemåke and Svartbak and even Rovterne are occasionally seen. Also sparrows, a lot of larks, pipers, wagtails, swallows, thrushes and finches rest and pull in and over the bog. Skjeggmeis is seen occasionally. Rødstjert , Buskskvett, Steinskvett, Gråfluesnapper, Svarthvit Fluesnapper, Tornskate and Gråsisik and Brunsisik are seen regularly. Trostesanger 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: Sangsvane, Sædgås and Kanadagås. In periods of frost, one may be lucky enough to see Vannrikse foraging at close range in Sømose Å or even a Kvartbekkasin. In some years there can be invasions of Gråtrost, Rødvingetrost or Sidensvans, 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.