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Description
Øra Nature Reserve contains a mix of tidal mudflats, shallow lagoons, sandbanks, reedbeds, and coastal meadows. Industrial activity over time has reduced the extent and quality of the wetland and altered its natural structure. Still, the area remains one of Norway’s most important sites for waterbirds and is designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA). Primarily for its large and nationally significant population of Большой баклан.
From the Øra bird tower and along the bay of Gansrødbukta, there are wide views of the tidal zone. The east side of the bay is bordered by dense mixed forest. The area offers good birding year-round.
A selection of common and rarer species seen from the bird tower include Болотный лунь, Усатая синица, Травник, Турухтан, Чернозобик, Малый зуёк, Галстучник, Свиязь, Большой кроншнеп, Малая чайка, Орлан-белохвост, Полярная крачка, and Чеграва. In the forest areas to the east you can find: Обыкновенный козодой, Вальдшнеп, Желна, Пеночка-трещотка, Обыкновенный поползень, Ополовник, Зелёный дятел, Большой пёстрый дятел, Обыкновенная кукушка, Чёрный стриж, Обыкновенная пищуха, and Московка.
Details
Access
Øra Nature Reserve is located on the western side of Fredrikstad where the Glomma River meets the Oslofjord. Next to it you will find a large industrial area and the city’s waste disposal site.
The Øra bird tower is only accessible by car for visitors who are registered on an access list (due to restrictions within the industrial area). However, it’s possible to explore the area on foot. There are multiple parking options near the bay, offering access to the walking path to the bird tower and other trails into the forested areas to the east of the bay. The forest includes both wide and narrow trails, many of which offer views of the mudflats and islands in the bay.
Public transport is limited; the closest bus stop is several kilometers away, so a car or bike is recommended.